Herpes zoster virus infection needs to be considered in all patients who present with scleritis, keratitis, or anterior uveitis, regardless of their varicella vaccination status. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Herpes zoster virus sclerokeratitis and anterior uveitis in a child following varicella vaccination.
Am J Ophthalmol. 2003 Mar ;135(3):415-7. PMID: 12614776
Ayman Naseri
PURPOSE: To report a case of herpes zoster virus sclerokeratitis with anterior uveitis following vaccination with live attenuated varicella vaccine (Oka strain).
DESIGN: Case report.
METHODS: The case records of the patient were reviewed retrospectively. Pertinent literature citations were identified using MEDLINE.
RESULTS: A 9-year-old boy presented with herpes zoster ophthalmicus 3 years following vaccination with live attenuated varicella vaccine (Oka strain). Examination of the affected eye revealed a moderate follicular response on the palpebral conjunctiva, decreased corneal sensation, mildly elevated intraocular pressure, diffuse anterior scleritis with marginal keratitis, and a moderately severe anterior uveitis. Amplified DNA from fluid taken from the base of a cutaneous vesicle produced wild-type varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA, not Oka strain.
CONCLUSIONS: Herpes zoster virus infection needs to be considered in all patients who present with scleritis, keratitis, or anterior uveitis, regardless of their varicella vaccination status.
