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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
08:31
Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
Aciclovir-resistant herpes keratitis
Keat Choong1, Nathan J Walker, Andrew Jg Apel
1Infection Management Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia. keatchoong@optusnet.com.au
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
|May 8, 2010
Summary
Aciclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is an under-recognized cause of eye disease. Systemic foscarnet offers a treatment option for these challenging cases, alongside a review of other therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is a significant cause of vision loss.
- Antiviral resistance, particularly to aciclovir, may be more prevalent than currently recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on three cases of aciclovir-resistant HSV keratitis treated successfully with systemic foscarnet.
- To review current pharmacological strategies for managing drug-resistant HSV keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing clinical presentation and treatment outcomes.
- Literature review of antiviral therapies for HSV keratitis.
Main Results:
- Successful treatment of three patients with aciclovir-resistant HSV keratitis using systemic foscarnet.
- Identification of foscarnet as a viable alternative when standard therapies fail.
Conclusions:
- Aciclovir resistance in HSV keratitis requires consideration in treatment-refractory cases.
- Systemic foscarnet is an effective therapeutic option for managing aciclovir-resistant HSV keratitis.
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