AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Ocular infections caused by (HSV) and (VZV) are major contributors to vision impairment worldwide, necessitating accurate and accessible diagnostic tools. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of HSV and VZV infections in patients with suspected ocular infections and to evaluate associated risk factors.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against HSV and VZV in patients with ocular symptoms. Serological data were stratified into IgG and IgM positivity to differentiate past from active infections. Serological data were stratified into IgG (indicative of past infection) and IgM (suggestive of active infection) positivity to differentiate past from active infections. A total of 200 patients were enrolled, and demographic and clinical data were collected, including age, history of ocular surgery, and immunosuppressive therapy.

RESULTS

The overall seroprevalence for HSV was 14%, and for VZV, it was 9%. Age was a significant risk factor for both infections, with individuals over 50 years (mean age of 48.9 ± 13.8 years) showing increased seropositivity ( < 0.001). The predominant ocular manifestation for HSV was keratitis (69%), while VZV infections were most commonly associated with conjunctivitis (62%). We identified a strong association between ocular surgery and HSV/VZV seropositivity ( < 0.001), and immunosuppressive therapy was significantly linked with VZV seropositivity ( < 0.001).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

ELISA-based antibody detection proved effective in identifying both past and active HSV and VZV infections. The findings highlight age, ocular surgery, and immunosuppressive therapy as key risk factors for these infections. Given the diagnostic limitations of ELISA, future studies should incorporate molecular diagnostics for enhanced accuracy. These findings support the use of ELISA for screening high-risk populations, although adjunct molecular testing may improve diagnostic accuracy. Early serological screening in high-risk patients could aid in the timely detection and management of ocular herpesvirus infections.