Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:27
Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
Published on: December 18, 2012
Monthly recurrent herpes simplex virus blepharitis in a boy for more than 10 years
Infection
|October 18, 2003
Summary
This case study details an 11-year-old boy experiencing recurrent bilateral herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 blepharitis for over a decade. The unusual presentation highlights effective topical acyclovir treatment for this rare ocular herpes manifestation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ocular herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are typically unilateral and recurrent forms often involve the cornea.
- Simultaneous bilateral recurrent ocular HSV disease is considered uncommon in clinical practice.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old boy presented with a 10-year history of monthly bilateral blepharitis caused by HSV type 1.
- The patient exhibited a generally normal immunological profile throughout the observation period.
Findings:
- The recurrent blepharitis occurred bilaterally each month without corneal involvement or other lasting complications.
- Supportive care and topical acyclovir ointment were sufficient to manage the recurrent episodes effectively.
Implications:
- This case challenges the typical understanding of ocular HSV recurrence patterns, emphasizing blepharitis as a potential presentation.
- It underscores the importance of considering atypical presentations in immunocompetent individuals and highlights effective management strategies for recurrent HSV blepharitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
01:28Herpes
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
01:20Chickenpox
Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
01:23Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...