Atypical herpes simplex keratitis: frequency, clinical presentations and treatment results

To determine herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA positivity in corneal scraping samples obtained from patients with microbial keratitis whose findings were not specific for HSV keratitis and to evaluate these particular cases with respect to clinical features and antiviral treatment results.

Records of patients with microbial keratitis treated in a tertiary eye care hospital within the 3-year period were evaluated retrospectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify HSV DNA. Smear slides were evaluated by light microscopy. Patients with typical presentations and histories of HSV keratitis were excluded.

Two hundred and seventy-six eyes of 276 patients were included in the study. HSV-1 DNA was detected in 25 eyes (9%). In these 25 eyes, the initial diagnosis was fungal or bacterial keratitis. The mean symptom duration was 20 ± 14 days (2-60 days). The risk factors were ocular surgery (20%), blepharitis (16%), trauma (8%) and contact lens wear (4%); however, the majority of patients did not have any specific cause for keratitis (52%). Clinical features were variable and not typical for any particular etiology. Culture and microscopic examinations revealed bacteria and/or fungi in 6 patients in addition to herpes infection. Antiviral treatment was successful in 72% of patients.

Herpetic corneal infections can present without typical dendritic or geographic ulcers and may be masked by other infections. Real-time PCR is a useful method for rapid and definitive diagnosis. HSV infection should be considered for microbial keratitis without specific risk factors, with negative culture results and poor response to antimicrobial agents.