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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

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Ex Vivo Organotypic Corneal Model of Acute Epithelial Herpes Simplex Virus Type I Infection
Published on: November 3, 2012
Herpes simplex retinitis and encephalitis in an adult
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|October 1, 1977
Summary
Viral encephalitis in a teen led to severe retinal detachments. Herpes simplex virus was identified, despite a healthy cell-mediated immune system, indicating a complex viral eye disease presentation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Viral encephalitis can present with diverse neurological and ocular manifestations.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a known cause of encephalitis and retinitis.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old female patient experienced viral encephalitis.
- This was followed by bilateral massive exudative retinal detachments.
Findings:
- Diagnosis confirmed as herpes simplex encephalitis and retinitis based on rising viral titers.
- Cell-mediated immune system assessment revealed it to be grossly intact.
Implications:
- This case highlights a severe ocular complication of herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
- The intact immune system suggests potential viral evasion or specific ocular tropism.
- Further research into HSV ocular disease mechanisms and management is warranted.
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