Chronic recurrent varicella-zoster virus keratitis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction testing.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of chronic recurrent varicella virus epithelial keratitis in a child.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Clinical examination and polymerase chain reaction analysis of corneal epithelium.


RESULTS
A 10-year-old healthy child developed chronic recurrent varicella virus keratitis with pseudodendrites after recovering from systemic varicella. Analysis of the debrided pseudodendrites was repeatedly positive for VZV DNA and negative for HSV DNA. Treatment with oral acyclovir and topical corticosteroid drops was effective in eliminating the pseudodendrites; however, recurrences occurred once the medications were discontinued.


CONCLUSIONS
Varicella virus epithelial keratitis in children can be a recurrent chronic condition requiring prolonged treatment.
Magone
M Teresa
MT
Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0944, USA. tm@magones.com
Nasser
Robert E
RE
Cevallos
A Vicky
AV
Margolis
Todd P
TP
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006563:Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007635:Keratitis, Dendritic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012008:Recurrence
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004279:DNA, Viral; D000212:Acyclovir