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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
07:27
Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
Published on: December 18, 2012
Keratitis patterns in patients with human immunodeficiency virus: A 10-year retrospective study
Omar Nusair1, Ikesinachi Osuorah1, Jaron Sanchez1
1Kittner Eye Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Summary
Infectious keratitis in HIV patients is often caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella zoster virus (VZV). Chronic inflammation from HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) may link to dry eye disease, highlighting disparities in care.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can impact ocular health, increasing susceptibility to various eye conditions.
- Keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, presents unique challenges in immunocompromised individuals.
- Understanding the interplay between HIV disease markers, keratitis, and patient demographics is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between HIV disease markers, types of keratitis, and sociodemographic factors.
- To identify common infectious organisms causing keratitis in HIV-positive patients.
- To explore associations between clinical data and noninfectious keratitis, such as dry eye disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective epidemiologic study of HIV-positive patients diagnosed with keratitis over 10 years.
- Chart review to extract demographic data (sex, age, race, zip codes) and clinical metrics (keratitis type, organism, CD4 count, ART adherence).
- Statistical analysis to determine associations between keratitis types, organisms, and patient characteristics.
Main Results:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) were responsible for 71.4% of infectious keratitis cases in HIV-positive patients.
- Noninfectious keratitis, specifically keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), showed significant associations with lower CD4 counts and poorer ART adherence.
- The Black race was disproportionately represented, and while not statistically significant, a trend suggested a link between socioeconomic factors and keratitis incidence.
Conclusions:
- HSV and VZV are the predominant causes of infectious keratitis in the HIV-positive population.
- Chronic inflammation associated with HIV infection and ART use may contribute to dry eye disease.
- Persistent racial and socioeconomic disparities impact healthcare access for individuals living with HIV.
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