Clinical Characteristics of Herpes Simplex Virus Associated Anterior Uveitis

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics of molecularly proven Herpes simplex virus (HSV) anterior uveitis.

Methods: The literature on HSV anterior uveitis whereby the diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and or Goldmann-Witmer coefficient in aqueous humor was reviewed. Three studies from Europe and one from Japan could be included.

Results: It was observed that HSV anterior uveitis is mostly an acute unilateral disease mainly occurring in middle-aged people with a predominance in females. The incidence of keratitis in HSV is between 33 and 41%. High intraocular pressure is frequently observed and ranged from 46 to 90%. Sectorial iris atrophy may be absent, especially early in the disease.

Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of HSV anterior uveitis can mimic other viral and non-infectious anterior uveitis entities especially at onset. Aqueous humor analysis for PCR and GWC can be useful in case of suspected viral uveitis.

Keywords: Anterior uveitis; Europe; Herpes simplex virus; Japan; aqueous humor analysis; clinical characteristics.