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Updated: May 24, 2026
08:31
Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
[Herpetic endotheliitis and trabeculitis with delayed corneal involvement]
I Carrillo-Arroyo1, E Gutiérrez-Díaz, E Mencía-Gutiérrez
1Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España.
Archivos De La Sociedad Espanola De Oftalmologia
|February 21, 2012
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis can cause corneal swelling and vision loss in transplant patients. Early detection via PCR is crucial for managing this opportunistic infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
Background:
- Corneal edema and vision loss can occur in renal transplant recipients on immunosuppression.
- Dendritic keratitis is a hallmark sign of ocular herpes simplex virus infection.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old male with a history of renal transplant presented with decreased visual acuity, corneal edema, and elevated intraocular pressure.
- Inferior marginal dendritic keratitis developed one month after initial presentation.
Findings:
- Corneal scraping and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV).
- The clinical presentation suggests HSV may be involved in the pathogenesis of corneal edema in this patient.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering viral causes, particularly HSV, in transplant patients with unexplained corneal pathology.
- The findings support the hypothesis that HSV reactivation can lead to corneal endotheliopathy, potentially originating from the trabecular meshwork.
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