Stromal and endothelial herpes simplex virus keratitis reactivation in the convalescent period of COVID-19-A case report

A 73-year-old lady presented with a white spot and redness in the left eye for 1 month and had been treated elsewhere as a case of fungal keratitis. She had severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infection 2 months before. Her past ocular history and examination gave a probable diagnosis of herpetic stromal and endothelial keratitis. She responded to oral acyclovir and topical steroid, leading to resolution of stromal edema and inflammation. Anterior chamber fluid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed pathogen herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1. HSV ocular reactivation after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported currently. The present report will add knowledge about this potential opportunistic ophthalmic infection during the recovery phase of COVID-19 disease.

Automated summary

A 73-year-old woman presented with symptoms of herpetic keratitis during the recovery phase of COVID-19. Treatment with acyclovir and steroids led to improvement. This report adds knowledge about ocular infections during the recovery phase of COVID-19.