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Congenital herpetic keratitis
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Congenital herpetic keratitis, an advanced corneal inflammation caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1, was diagnosed in a newborn. This case suggests in utero acquisition, marking the first report of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can affect newborns, but congenital presentation is rare.
- Ocular involvement in neonatal HSV typically occurs postnatally.
- Advanced epithelial and stromal keratitis at birth suggests prenatal acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of congenital herpetic keratitis.
- To highlight the possibility of in utero transmission of Herpes simplex virus type 1 to the cornea.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of a newborn infant with bilateral keratitis.
- Viral culture from corneal scrapings and skin vesicles.
- Identification of Herpes simplex virus type 1.
Main Results:
- An infant presented with advanced epithelial and stromal keratitis at birth.
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 was isolated from the cornea and subsequent skin lesions.
- The severity of keratitis indicated prenatal infection.
Conclusions:
- This case represents the first documented instance of congenital herpetic keratitis.
- In utero transmission of HSV-1 can cause severe ocular disease in neonates.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for affected infants.