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Herpes simplex virus-1--associated congenital cataract
Hari Raghu1, Shaheen Subhan, Roby J Jose
1Jhaveri Microbiology Center, Professor Brien Holden Eye Research Center, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, LV Prasad Eye Institute, LV Prasad Marg, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, India.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 4, 2004
Summary
Herpes simplex virus-type 1 (HSV-1) infection is associated with congenital cataracts in infants. This study found HSV-1 in lens aspirates and maternal serum, suggesting a link.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Congenital cataracts are a leading cause of childhood blindness.
- The etiology of congenital cataracts is often multifactorial, including genetic and infectious causes.
- Herpes simplex virus-type 1 (HSV-1) is a common viral infection with potential systemic and ocular manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between herpes simplex virus-type 1 (HSV-1) and congenital cataracts.
- To report findings from four cases of congenital cataract potentially linked to HSV-1 infection.
Main Methods:
- A prospective interventional case series involving four infants under 12 months with congenital cataracts.
- Clinical evaluation by a pediatric ophthalmologist.
- Analysis of lens aspirates for HSV-1 via cell culture and PCR; serological testing (IgM and IgG) for HSV-1 in infants and mothers using ELISA.
Main Results:
- HSV-1 was isolated in cultures from three of four lens aspirates.
- All four lens aspirates tested positive for HSV-1 DNA via PCR.
- Serum HSV-1 IgM was positive in all infants and in three mothers.
Conclusions:
- This study suggests a potential association between HSV-1 infection and congenital cataracts.
- The presence of HSV-1 in lens aspirates and maternal serum supports an infectious etiology.
- This may represent the first reported cases of HSV-1-associated congenital cataracts.