Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections are widely distributed in the general population. The lifetime risk of herpes zoster is estimated to be 10–20 %, increasing with age (1–4). Since herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) accounts for 20 % of all locations of shingles, the lifetime risk of HZO is about 1–2 %. The management of ocular complications of VZV infection is now well codified, but sequellae still can occur, despite an armamentarium effective in limiting viral replication and its immune consequences.
Abstract
Herpes zoster, caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus, is uncommon in infancy. Even more uncommon is herpes zoster ophthalmicus, defined as herpes zoster of the ophthalmic branch of the fifth cranial nerve. Among healthy children, primary varicella-zoster virus infection during gestation as a result of maternal varicella or the first year of life is the major risk factor for development of herpes zoster in a relatively young age. Here we present an unusual case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus with dissemination in an immunocompetent toddler with favorable outcome. The child’s mother contracted chickenpox in late pregnancy and her son was very likely infected with varicella-zoster virus in utero. During a two-year follow-up the child vision was normal and there was no evidence of post herpetic neuralgia.
Association of varicella zoster virus load in the aqueous humor with clinical manifestations of anterior uveitis in herpes zoster ophthalmicus and zoster sine herpete
