Herpes Simplex Keratitis
Do You Know The Trigger?...
Recents findings studying herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) keratitis may give us greater insight when we manage these individuals in daily practice.
At least in this study (porcine), it appears HSV-1 infectious keratitis is primarily restricted to the corneal epithelium and likely triggered via epithelial defects or abrasion - not penetrating basement membrane or extending into stroma. Viral spread patterns show while involvement occurs within epithelial cells, the subepithelial deeper cornea remains largely untouched. This restriction is significant, as it suggests a protective mechanism is present which could be leveraged in therapeutic strategies. The potential role of a small particular protein, proline-rich protein 1A (SPRR1A), is theorized to maintain this barrier.
Understanding this matters as it not only helps us perhaps reduce risk factors in terms of epithelial triggers, but may also direct the way for improved treatment to combat HSV-1 keratitis - ultimately preserving vision.
Go to the article in PLOS Pathogens HERE.
-JRM
"VISION & NEUROLOGY Casebook" on Amazon
A #1 Now Available in AUDIOBOOK Format!
READ or LISTEN HERE.
...and your patients will trust & love you forever!
-John R. Martinelli, MD, OD, FAAO
Get Started With This Free Instant PDF Download: HERE
Responses