Corneal Involvement in HIV-infected Individuals

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2021 Aug 18;29(6):1177-1182. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1887283. Epub 2021 Jul 7.

Abstract

Corneal involvement in HIV-infected individuals may be broadly classified into two categories, namely, infectious and noninfectious with the vast majority of manifestations occurring in the former. In this article, we shall focus on these two categories and strive to highlight those presentations that should alert the clinician to suspect underlying HIV infection. Infectious group mainly consists of Herpitic group of viral infections. Bacterial causes may be due to Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, alpha hemolytic Streptococcus, Micrococcus and Bacillus. Fungalf keratitis in HIV-infected individuals depends on the geographic locations from which patient comes. Microsporidia and Acanthamoeba are common Protozoal causes. Non-infective inflammatory causes include peripheral ulcerative keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva. Severity which is abnormally severe or very minimally reactive makes the clinician suspect of immunosuppression.

Keywords: Cornea; HIV; immuno suppression; infectious kerartitis; peripheral ulcerative keratitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Corneal Diseases / microbiology
  • Corneal Diseases / parasitology
  • Corneal Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Corneal Diseases / virology
  • Eye Infections / physiopathology*
  • HIV Infections / physiopathology*
  • Humans