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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
Published on: December 18, 2012
Chronic recurrent varicella-zoster virus keratitis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction testing
M Teresa Magone1, Robert E Nasser, A Vicky Cevallos
1Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0944, USA. tm@magones.com
Purpose:
To report a case of chronic recurrent varicella virus epithelial keratitis in a child.
Design:
Case report.
Methods:
Clinical examination and polymerase chain reaction analysis of corneal epithelium.
Results:
A 10-year-old healthy child developed chronic recurrent varicella virus keratitis with pseudodendrites after recovering from systemic varicella. Analysis of the debrided pseudodendrites was repeatedly positive for VZV DNA and negative for HSV DNA. Treatment with oral acyclovir and topical corticosteroid drops was effective in eliminating the pseudodendrites; however, recurrences occurred once the medications were discontinued.
Conclusions:
Varicella virus epithelial keratitis in children can be a recurrent chronic condition requiring prolonged treatment.
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