Incidence of Herpes Simplex Virus induced ocular disease in Suriname

The incidence and epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), type 2 (HSV-2), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) in ocular disease in Suriname was assessed in a cross-sectional prospective study. Ocular swabs were collected from 91 patients with a presumptive HSV ocular infection attending the Academic Hospital between November 2008 and August 2010 and were analyzed with a PCR–based HSV assay. HSV ophthalmic infections displayed predominantly HSV-1 (79%), 12% harbored VZV, 3% HSV-2 and 6% a mixed HSV-1/ HSV-2 infection.

The first reported annual incidence of herpetic induced ocular disease in Suriname was estimated at 11.4 per 100.000 person-years [95% CI, 4.8-18.1]. No clear age, ethnic or sex dependent difference in incidence was observed. No seasonal trend could be detected.

Publication:
Incidence of Alpha-Herpes virus induced ocular disease in Suriname
Journal of Medical Virology 84,1937–1942 (2012)