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Musa M, Enaholo E, Aluyi-Osa G, Atuanya GN, Spadea L, Salati C, Zeppieri M. Herpes simplex keratitis: A brief clinical overview. World J Virol 2024; 13:89934. [PMID: 38616855 PMCID: PMC11008405 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i1.89934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of our minireview is to provide a brief overview of the diagnosis, clinical aspects, treatment options, management, and current literature available regarding herpes simplex keratitis (HSK). This type of corneal viral infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can affect several tissues, including the cornea. One significant aspect of HSK is its potential to cause recurrent episodes of inflammation and damage to the cornea. After the initial infection, the HSV can establish a latent infection in the trigeminal ganglion, a nerve cluster near the eye. The virus may remain dormant for extended periods. Periodic reactivation of the virus can occur, leading to recurrent episodes of HSK. Factors triggering reactivation include stress, illness, immunosuppression, or trauma. Recurrent episodes can manifest in different clinical patterns, ranging from mild epithelial involvement to more severe stromal or endothelial disease. The severity and frequency of recurrences vary among individuals. Severe cases of HSK, especially those involving the stroma and leading to scarring, can result in vision impairment or even blindness in extreme cases. The cornea's clarity is crucial for good vision, and scarring can compromise this, potentially leading to visual impairment. The management of HSK involves not only treating acute episodes but also implementing long-term strategies to prevent recurrences and attempt repairs of corneal nerve endings via neurotization. Antiviral medications, such as oral Acyclovir or topical Ganciclovir, may be prescribed for prophylaxis. The immune response to the virus can contribute to corneal damage. Inflammation, caused by the body's attempt to control the infection, may inadvertently harm the corneal tissues. Clinicians should be informed about triggers and advised on measures to minimize the risk of reactivation. In summary, the recurrent nature of HSK underscores the importance of both acute and long-term management strategies to preserve corneal health and maintain optimal visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutali Musa
- Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin 300283, Nigeria
- Department of Ophthalmology, Africa Eye Laser Centre, Km 7, Benin 300105, Nigeria
| | - Ehimare Enaholo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Africa Eye Laser Centre, Km 7, Benin 300105, Nigeria
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre for Sight Africa, Nkpor 434101, Nigeria
| | - Gladness Aluyi-Osa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Africa Eye Laser Centre, Km 7, Benin 300105, Nigeria
| | | | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00142, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
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Chiang JCB, Roy M, Kim J, Markoulli M, Krishnan AV. In-vivo corneal confocal microscopy: Imaging analysis, biological insights and future directions. Commun Biol 2023; 6:652. [PMID: 37336941 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In-vivo corneal confocal microscopy is a powerful imaging technique which provides clinicians and researcher with the capabilities to observe microstructures at the ocular surfaces in significant detail. In this Mini Review, the optics and image analysis methods with the use of corneal confocal microscopy are discussed. While novel insights of neuroanatomy and biology of the eyes, particularly the ocular surface, have been provided by corneal confocal microscopy, some debatable elements observed using this technique remain and these are explored in this Mini Review. Potential improvements in imaging methodology and instrumentation are also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Chung Bo Chiang
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Optometry, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, NSW, UK
| | - Maitreyee Roy
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Juno Kim
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Markoulli
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Arun V Krishnan
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Neurology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Mangan MS, Yildiz-Tas A, Yildiz MB, Yildiz E, Sahin A. In Vivo confocal microscopy findings after COVID-19 infection. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2022; 30:1866-1868. [PMID: 34383621 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1966051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate clinical and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) findings of a patient who developed multiple unilateral subepithelial stromal opacities following conjunctivitis that developed during a COVID-19 infection. METHODS A 22-year-old female presented to our clinic with blurred right vision. The history revealed that she had experienced a COVID-19 infection one month ago. Redness and stinging of the right eye had started at the same time and she had been prescribed topical antibiotic drops and ointments. The redness in the right eye had decreased but blurred vision had then developed. RESULTS Slit lamp examination revealed a normal left eye. Several tiny subepithelial infiltrates without fluorescein staining of the cornea were present in the right eye. The anterior chamber, lens and fundus were bilaterally normal. IVCM revealed irregular corneal epithelial cells with bright borders in addition to scattered inflammatory cells and cell debris in the right eye. There were activated dendritic cells in the subbasal epithelial area with a significant decrease in the subbasal corneal nerve plexus. Clusters of highly reflective cells with an irregular shape were seen in the anterior corneal stroma together with foci of activated keratocytes. The corneal endothelial cell layer was normal. The left eye IVCM findings were all within normal limits. The right eye also showed decreased corneal sensitivity compared to the left. CONCLUSIONS The possible role of corneal infiltrates as a trigger for COVID-19 could be explained with an immune-mediated mechanism. SARS-CoV-2 can result in decreased corneal sensitivity through corneal nerve involvement. The clinical results of this effect need to be evaluated in larger series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Serhat Mangan
- Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital, Sadik Eratik Eye Institute, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Yildiz-Tas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Beyza Yildiz
- Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital, Sadik Eratik Eye Institute, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elvin Yildiz
- Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital, Sadik Eratik Eye Institute, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Afsun Sahin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Luna C, Quirce S, Aracil-Marco A, Belmonte C, Gallar J, Acosta MC. Unilateral Corneal Insult Also Alters Sensory Nerve Activity in the Contralateral Eye. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:767967. [PMID: 34869482 PMCID: PMC8634144 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.767967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
After the unilateral inflammation or nerve lesion of the ocular surface, the ipsilateral corneal sensory nerve activity is activated and sensitized, evoking ocular discomfort, irritation, and pain referred to the affected eye. Nonetheless, some patients with unilateral ocular inflammation, infection, or surgery also reported discomfort and pain in the contralateral eye. We explored the possibility that such altered sensations in the non-affected eye are due to the changes in their corneal sensory nerve activity in the contralateral, not directly affected eye. To test that hypothesis, we recorded the impulse activity of the corneal mechano- and polymodal nociceptor and cold thermoreceptor nerve terminals in both eyes of guinea pigs, subjected unilaterally to three different experimental conditions (UV-induced photokeratitis, microkeratome corneal surgery, and chronic tear deficiency caused by removal of the main lacrimal gland), and in eyes of naïve animals ex vivo. Overall, after unilateral eye damage, the corneal sensory nerve activity appeared to be also altered in the contralateral eye. Compared with the naïve guinea pigs, animals with unilateral UV-induced mild corneal inflammation, showed on both eyes an inhibition of the spontaneous and stimulus-evoked activity of cold thermoreceptors, and increased activity in nociceptors affecting both the ipsilateral and the contralateral eye. Unilateral microkeratome surgery affected the activity of nociceptors mostly, inducing sensitization in both eyes. The removal of the main lacrimal gland reduced tear volume and increased the cold thermoreceptor activity in both eyes. This is the first direct demonstration that unilateral corneal nerve lesion, especially ocular surface inflammation, functionally affects the activity of the different types of corneal sensory nerves in both the ipsilateral and contralateral eyes. The mechanisms underlying the contralateral affectation of sensory nerves remain to be determined, although available data support the involvement of neuroimmune interactions. The parallel alteration of nerve activity in contralateral eyes has two main implications: a) in the experimental design of both preclinical and clinical studies, where the contralateral eyes cannot be considered as a control; and, b) in the clinical practice, where clinicians must consider the convenience of treating both eyes of patients with unilateral ocular conditions to avoid pain and secondary undesirable effects in the fellow eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Luna
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Susana Quirce
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Adolfo Aracil-Marco
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Carlos Belmonte
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Juana Gallar
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - M Carmen Acosta
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
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Ledbetter EC, Joslin AR, Spertus CB, Badanes Z, Mohammed HO. In vivo confocal microscopic features of naturally acquired canine herpesvirus-1 and feline herpesvirus-1 dendritic and punctate ulcerative keratitis. Am J Vet Res 2021; 82:903-911. [PMID: 34669494 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.82.11.903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) features of the corneal epithelium and stroma in dogs and cats with herpetic dendritic ulcerative keratitis. ANIMALS 6 client-owned dogs and 10 client-owned cats with herpetic dendritic ulcerative keratitis (affected group) and 10 dogs and 10 cats from specific-pathogen-free laboratory colonies (nonaffected group). PROCEDURES After complete ophthalmic examination, IVCM corneal examination was performed on the clinically diseased eyes of animals in the affected group and on both eyes of animals in the nonaffected group. Results by species were compared between groups. RESULTS In the affected group, all 6 dogs had unilateral ocular lesions (total, 6 eyes examined), whereas 7 cats had unilateral lesions and 3 cats had bilateral lesions (total, 13 eyes examined). For the nonaffected group, 20 cat eyes and 20 dog eyes were examined. Corneal epithelial morphological abnormalities were identified in all examined eyes of animals in the affected group and in no examined eyes of the nonaffected group. Hyperreflective punctate opacities and inflammatory cells were present in all epithelial layers in examined eyes of affected animals but were absent in nonaffected animals. Similarly, Langerhans cells and anterior stromal dendritic cells were identified in corneas of eyes examined for animals in the affected group but not in any eye of animals in the nonaffected group. Stromal changes were less consistent in the affected group, but absent in the nonaffected group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that herpetic dendritic ulcerative keratitis in dogs and cats is associated with microanatomic corneal abnormalities that can be detected by IVCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C Ledbetter
- From the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Amanda R Joslin
- From the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Chloe B Spertus
- From the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Zachary Badanes
- From the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Hussni O Mohammed
- From the Department Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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Lin T, Quellier D, Lamb J, Voisin T, Baral P, Bock F, Schönberg A, Mirchev R, Pier G, Chiu I, Gadjeva M. Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced nociceptor activation increases susceptibility to infection. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009557. [PMID: 33956874 PMCID: PMC8101935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a rapid reduction in blink reflexes during in vivo ocular Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, which is commonly attributed and indicative of functional neuronal damage. Sensory neurons derived in vitro from trigeminal ganglia (TG) were able to directly respond to P. aeruginosa but reacted significantly less to strains of P. aeruginosa that lacked virulence factors such as pili, flagella, or a type III secretion system. These observations led us to explore the impact of neurons on the host's susceptibility to P. aeruginosa keratitis. Mice were treated with Resiniferatoxin (RTX), a potent activator of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels, which significantly ablated corneal sensory neurons, exhibited delayed disease progression that was exemplified with decreased bacterial corneal burdens and altered neutrophil trafficking. Sensitization to disease was due to the increased frequencies of CGRP-induced ICAM-1+ neutrophils in the infected corneas and reduced neutrophil bactericidal activities. These data showed that sensory neurons regulate corneal neutrophil responses in a tissue-specific matter affecting disease progression during P. aeruginosa keratitis. Hence, therapeutic modalities that control nociception could beneficially impact anti-infective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Lin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daisy Quellier
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Lamb
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tiphaine Voisin
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Pankaj Baral
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Felix Bock
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alfrun Schönberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rossen Mirchev
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gerald Pier
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Isaac Chiu
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mihaela Gadjeva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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