Healing of recurrent herpes simplex corneal epithelial lesions treated with topical acyclovir A non-contact photomicrographic in vivo study in the human cornea.
OBJECTIVE
To examine morphological changes occurring in recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) epithelial keratitis after the application of topical acyclovir ointment 3%.


METHODS
7 patients examined with the slit lamp and photographed by non-contact in vivo photomicrography.


RESULTS
Within one day of treatment the lesions lost their typical herpetic features, and after about 2-3 days the morphology seemed to reflect only the sequelae: unhealthy epithelium and abnormal cells located at the level of the basement membrane. Two patients showed epitheliopathy compatible with the side-effects of the treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The rapid loss of typical HSV features after drug application reflects a successful arrest of the virus replication, freeing the epithelial healing forces. At what point of time infectious virus is eradicated and the treatment can be safely stopped cannot be determined clinically. Healing in the sense of restitution ad integrum is a slow process showing individual variations. Abnormal intra-/subepithelial cells are last to disappear.
Tabery
H M
HM
Department of Ophthalmology, Malmö University Hospital, Sweden.
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016849:Keratitis, Herpetic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D012008:Recurrence; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D009824:Ointments; D000212:Acyclovir