Anterior Uveitis Associated with Herpesviruses

Abstract

There are more than 100 herpesviruses, in which eight are found to cause uveitis in human, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and HSV-6, 7, and 8 [1]. Both anterior uveitis and posterior uveitis could be caused by these herpesviruses [1, 2, 3]. Fuchs syndrome and Posner–Schlossman syndrome have been reported to be associated with infection of these viruses [4, 5]. The relationship between anterior uveitis and herpesviruses is generally established based on clinical manifestations rather than confirmed by laboratory investigations. Therefore, this disease is named as anterior uveitis associated with herpesviruses or herpesvirus associated with anterior uveitis. Herpetic anterior uveitis is loosely used clinically. Actually and more accurately, it should be named as presumed herpetic anterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis associated with HSV or VZV is a relatively common form of uveitis in our clinical practice. Anterior uveitis associated with both viruses is, by and large, similar in clinical manifestations and therefore discussed together in this chapter.