Herpes zoster ophthalmicus in an otherwise healthy 7 years child

A H Akhanda1, M A Quayum, A Uddin

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Insights

A 7-year-old child developed herpes zoster ophthalmicus, a serious eye infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss from this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a viral infection affecting the eye and surrounding structures.
  • This case highlights HZO in a non-vaccinated, previously infected 7-year-old child.

Observation:

  • The child presented with unilateral skin lesions and decreased vision in the right eye.
  • Examination revealed corneal ulceration, reduced corneal sensitivity, and eyelid abnormalities.

Findings:

  • Despite treatment with systemic and topical antivirals, the child developed cicatricial ectropion and corneal opacity.
  • Final visual acuity in the affected eye was significantly reduced to 6/60.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of HZO to prevent irreversible visual impairment.
  • Highlights potential complications even with appropriate treatment, emphasizing the need for vigilance in pediatric cases.

Related Concept Videos

Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

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,...
Genital Herpes01:23

Genital 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...
Herpes01:28

Herpes

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...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Accessory Structures of the Eye01:17

Accessory Structures of the Eye

Optical perception, or vision, is an extraordinary sense dependent on converting light signals received via the ocular organs. These organs, known as eyes, are securely positioned within the bony cavities of the skull, called orbits. The orbits serve a dual purpose: a protective shield for the ocular globes and a stable attachment point for the soft ocular tissues. The eye's external protective mechanisms include the eyelids, which are edged with lashes that act as a barrier against foreign...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually 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...