Abstract
To describe four cases of herpetic keratitis after cultivated limbal stem-cell transplantation (CLET). Four patients affected by limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) caused by alkali burns received CLET. During regular follow-up, epithelial defects were detected and corneal scraping was performed to identify active viral keratitis. Herpetic epithelial keratitis was successfully diagnosed by corneal scraping and polymerase chain reaction of HSV-1 DNA in all four patients affected by epithelial defects. The defects resolved after appropriate therapy with topical and/or systemic antiviral drugs. Epithelial defects due to herpetic keratitis after cultivated limbal stem-cell transplantation may mimic chronic stem-cell deficiency. A low-threshold for corneal scraping can yield rapid identification of herpetic viral DNA allowing for appropriate treatment.
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