Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To retrospectively review the clinical characteristics of patients with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) blepharokeratoconjunctivitis.

Methods

Laboratory-proven HSV-2 blepharokeratoconjunctivitis cases were reviewed between 1995 and 2021.

Results

Ten of 725 (1.4%) patients had HSV-2 infection. Data were available for nine patients. Associated conditions included neonatal herpes (1/9, 11%), severe atopy (1/9, 11%), genital herpes (2/9, 22%), and systemic immune disorders (2/9, 22%). The most common presenting finding was pain and blurred vision (55.5%). Two patients (22%) had dendritic lesions and one patient (11%) had reduced corneal sensation. Complete resolution was reported in four patients (44.5%). Recurrence was noted in four patients (44.5%) despite antiviral prophylaxis. Corneal complications included scarring and neovascularization. The visual acuity at the last follow-up was 20/40 or worse in four patients (44.5%).

Conclusions

HSV-2 is an uncommon cause of keratitis. Dendrites and loss of corneal sensation were uncommon. Recurrence was noted despite antiviral prophylaxis.

KEYWORDS:

• Viral keratitis
• blepharokerato conjunctivitis
• herpes simplex virus-2
• herpes simplex virus

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The authors conform that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.