A primate model for acute and recurrent herpetic keratitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common cause of ocular infections.
• Recurrent ocular herpes can lead to significant vision impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and characterize a squirrel monkey model for recurrent ocular herpes simplex virus infections.
• To evaluate the development of acute epithelial keratitis and subsequent clinical recurrences.

Main Methods:

• Squirrel monkeys were inoculated with the Rodanus strain of HSV-1 in both eyes.
• Animals were monitored for acute epithelial keratitis, stromal disease, clinical recurrences, and viral shedding.

Main Results:

• All inoculated eyes developed dendritic keratitis within 72 hours.
• Stromal disease occurred in two eyes.
• Thirteen monkeys experienced at least one episode of recurrent epithelial disease.
• Herpes simplex virus type 1 was isolated from eyes with recurrent dendrites.

Conclusions:

• Squirrel monkeys provide a viable model for studying recurrent ocular herpes simplex virus infections.
• This model demonstrates the development of acute keratitis, stromal disease, and recurrent epithelial disease following HSV-1 inoculation.