Ocular shedding of herpes simplex virus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common human pathogen.
• Herpes keratitis, an ocular infection caused by HSV, can lead to recurrent episodes.
• Understanding viral shedding patterns is crucial for managing HSV infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and frequency of ocular and oral HSV shedding.
• To determine if a history of herpes keratitis influences HSV shedding in the tear film or mouth.
• To assess the relationship between previous ocular herpes and subsequent viral shedding.

Main Methods:

• Two patient groups were studied: those with herpes labialis history (Group A) and those with herpes keratitis history (Group B).
• Ocular and oral swabs were collected thrice weekly over a two- to four-month period.
• Specimens were analyzed for the presence of herpes simplex virus type 1.

Main Results:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 was isolated from 1.33% of oral specimens.
• No HSV was detected in any ocular specimens from either group.
• No significant difference in ocular or oral shedding was found between Group A and Group B.

Conclusions:

• Oral shedding of HSV appears to be independent of a history of herpes keratitis.
• The tear film is an unlikely source of HSV shedding in individuals without ocular herpes or between recurrences.
• Previous herpes keratitis does not predispose individuals to shedding HSV in the ocular or oral sites studied.