PCR for varicella zoster virus genome negative in corneal epithelial cells of patients with Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis

Purpose. To find out if varicella zoster virus is the causative agent of Thygeson's superficial punctuate keratitis. Methods. Epithelial cells were harvested from the punctuate epithelial lesions 9 patients with Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis. After DNA extraction polymerase chain reaction was carried out with varicella zoster virus primers. Results. All samples were negative with regard to varicella zoster virus genome. Conclusions. This result suggests that varicella zoster virus is most probably not the causative agent of Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis.