Coinfection of the retina by Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus in an AIDS patient

PURPOSE: To report an immunohistochemically proven case of a coinfection of the retina by Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: Postmortem evaluation of retinal tissue of a 45-year-old female AIDS patient with atypical fibrinous iridocyclitis and vitritis in course of a cytomegalovirus retinitis in the left eye was performed for evidence of dual infection with cytomegalovirus and other herpes group viruses. Immunohistochemical examination with double-staining techniques and antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus was used. RESULTS: In the retina of the left eye, cells reacting with antibodies against cytomegalovirus and cells stained with antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus were detected in the layer of ganglionic cells and the inner granular cell layer. CONCLUSION: Epstein-Barr virus coinfection should be taken into consideration in unusual cases of necrotizing cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS patients.