Isolation of herpes simplex virus from corneal discs of patients with chronic stromal keratitis.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) was isolated from the corneal discs of six patients with herpes simplex keratitis, which were removed during penetrating keratoplasty and then cultured in vitro. The demonstration of persistent infection in stromal keratitis, even when the condition is quiescent, emphasizes the need for antiviral agents in treatment. The findings support the possibility that latent infection may become established at a peripheral site.