Acyclovir-resistant varicella-zoster virus keratitis in an immunocompetent patient

J Clin Virol. 2013 Sep;58(1):318-20. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2013.04.024. Epub 2013 Jun 4.

Abstract

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) resistance to acyclovir (ACV) has only been reported in rare cases of immunocompromised patients. We report the first case of an immunocompetent patient with ACV-resistant VZV keratitis associated with a nucleotide deletion in the VZV thymidine kinase gene, leading to production of a truncated protein.

Keywords: Acyclovir; Cornea; Drug resistance; Herpetic keratitis; Varicella zoster virus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / pharmacology
  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Resistance, Viral*
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / drug effects*
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Keratitis, Herpetic / drug therapy*
  • Keratitis, Herpetic / virology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutant Proteins / genetics
  • Sequence Deletion
  • Thymidine Kinase / genetics

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Mutant Proteins
  • Thymidine Kinase
  • Acyclovir