Failure to detect human herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus viral genomes in giant cell arteritis biopsy specimens by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

A study provided evidence of human herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA in giant cell arteritis (GCA) biopsy specimens. This prompted us to study our own GCA biopsy specimens using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the detection of HSV1, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein–Barr virus DNAs. Our study failed to confirm an association between HSV1 and GCA, revealing no viral genome in 35 biopsy specimens of histologically positive temporal arteries.