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Herpetic eye attacks: variability of circannual rhythms
1Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Herpetic eye infections show seasonal patterns, peaking in January for most patients. Atopic children experience outbreaks in September, indicating specific circannual rhythms in ocular herpes reactivation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Chronobiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Seasonal variation in herpetic ocular infections remains debated.
- This study investigates the existence of a significant circannual rhythm in these infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if seasonal variations in herpetic ocular infections form a significant circannual rhythm.
- To analyze rhythm parameters based on patient demographics and clinical presentation.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring recurrent herpetic eye attacks in 541 patients over 15 years.
- Analyzing rhythm parameters concerning age, sex, and clinical signs.
Main Results:
- Most herpetic eye attacks peaked in January (p < 0.04), except in atopic children (September peak, p < 0.05).
- Significant circannual periodicity was observed in epithelial herpetic keratitis and in males (p < 0.03).
- No correlation found between rhythms and upper respiratory tract infections.
Conclusions:
- Chronoepidemiological analysis of individual reactivation patterns can aid treatment optimization.
- Considering prophylaxis based on identified circannual rhythms may benefit specific patient groups.