Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis as the Only Clinical Manifestation of HIV Infection

ABSTRACT

Introduction

This case report describes an 8 year old boy unsuccessfully treated for years for Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis.

Case report

We report a VKC resistant to all types of treatment known in the literature, such as topical and oral corticosteroids, topical and oral cyclosporine, immunotherapy, and third generation anti-histamine eye drops, due to unknown HIV co-infection. During further laboratory tests, patient tested positive for HIV even though he did not present any clinical manifestation of HIV disease. Only after antiretroviral treatment was started the allergy symptoms completely regressed.

Conclusion

This case report suggests considering investigation of HIV infection in patients with refractory allergic conjunctivitis.

KEYWORDS:

• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
• HIV
• ocular allergy

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

The authors state that they have no financial disclosure or proprietary interest in the products named in this article.