Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is not associated with Mooren's ulcer

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Mooren's ulcer is a rare, progressive peripheral corneal ulceration.
• The etiology of Mooren's ulcer remains largely unknown.
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a potential association between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and Mooren's ulcer.
• To determine if HCV screening is warranted in patients diagnosed with Mooren's ulcer.

Main Methods:

• A case series of eight patients diagnosed with Mooren's ulcer was retrospectively reviewed.
• Patients underwent serological screening for chronic HCV infection.
• Diagnosis of Mooren's ulcer was based on typical clinical presentation and laboratory tests.

Main Results:

• Eight patients (six male, two female; age range 31–65 years) were included.
• None of the patients had a prior diagnosis or clinical evidence of chronic HCV infection.
• All patients tested negative for HCV serology.

Conclusions:

• This case series did not find any association between chronic HCV infection and Mooren's ulcer.
• The findings suggest that HCV is unlikely to be a significant factor in the pathogenesis of Mooren's ulcer in this population.
• Further studies with larger cohorts are required to definitively rule out any association.