Stromal Herpetic Keratitis with Ulceration Associated with Reactivation of Epstein–Barr Virus and Human Herpes Virus Type 6: Experience of Diagnosis and Therapy

Objective: to study the clinical manifestations of herpetic stromal keratitis with ulceration associated with EBV and HHV-6 reactivation.

Patients and methods. 172 patients with anterior ophthalmic herpes were under observation, of which 43 patients had herpetic stromal keratitis with ulceration with an average duration of complaints of more than 60 days. Tear, saliva, blood and urine samples were used as a material for PCR (qualitative and quantitative) for the presence of HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV, HHV-6, HHV-7 DNA. Local therapy of the acute period included instillation of antiviral, anti-inflammatory agents and lubricants. Systemic antiherpetic therapy included oral use of selective nucleoside analogues: valacyclovir and famciclovir in increased daily dosages.

Results. 87 cumulative positive results were obtained, of which the proportion of EBV and HHV-6 DNA detection was 23 % and 28 %. Complex local therapy with the inclusion of heparin-containing lubricant and a drug containing 5 % dexpanthenol (“Corneregel”) combined with systemic therapy with nucleoside analogues in increased daily dosages led to complete relief of objective symptoms within 14 to 28 days.

Conclusions. EBV and HHV-6 were detected in more than 50 % of cases, which determines systemic antiviral therapy in increased daily dosages and a prolonged course. The pathogenesis of ulcerative defects may be associated with the direct reactivation of HHV-6 and EBV, which requires the use of active reparative therapy from the first days of curation. The phenomenon of a transient viral “surge” detected by PCR during disease course can be observed by adequate systemic therapy and is a normal laboratory pattern indicating the correct tactics. 

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