Retinitis linked to human herpesvirus type 6: a case study in a splenectomised patient

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is a known cause of infectious uveitis.
• Splenectomized patients are at increased risk for severe infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of HHV-6 retinitis in a splenectomized patient.
• To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of HHV-6 ocular infections.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a splenectomized patient with retinitis.
• Diagnosis confirmed by HHV-6 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in cerebrospinal fluid and serum.
• Treatment included topical corticosteroids and systemic antiviral therapy (ganciclovir, valganciclovir).

Main Results:

• The patient presented with retinitis in the right eye with good visual acuity (0.1 LogMAR).
• Ophthalmological findings were attributed to HHV-6 infection coexisting with central nervous system infection.
• Successful treatment preserved the initial good visual acuity.

Conclusions:

• HHV-6 can cause retinitis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• Prompt diagnosis and combined topical and systemic antiviral treatment are crucial for visual preservation.
• This case underscores the need to consider HHV-6 in the differential diagnosis of infectious uveitis.