Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Anterior Uveitis following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination in an Asian Indian Female

Purpose: To describe a case of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV 1) infection following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in an Asian Indian female. Methods: Retrospective case report. Result: A 40-year-old female presented with decreased vision, pain, and photophobia of 2 weeks duration. She reported receiving the second dose of COVISHIELDTM (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) 1 week prior to the onset of ocular symptoms. Left eye examination revealed granulomatous anterior uveitis. Aqueous sample from the left eye tested positive for HSV1 by polymerase chain reaction(PCR) method. She was managed with oral antiviral therapy, topical steroids, and cycloplegic agent and showed significant improvement of inflammation within 1 week and resolved within 3 weeks. Conclusion: This report demonstrates a potential association of HSV 1 anterior uveitis with COVID-19 vaccination. A high index of suspicion of viral etiology is warranted when uveitis presents with reduced corneal sensations and pigmented keratic precipitates, following a recent history of COVID-19 vaccination.

Automated summary

This case report describes an incidence of HSV 1 anterior uveitis following COVID-19 vaccination. A viral etiology should be considered when ocular symptoms occur after vaccination.