Monkeypox Infection Causing Conjunctival Vesicles and Anterior Uveitis

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2024 Apr;32(3):266-267. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2174884. Epub 2023 Feb 17.

Abstract

Human monkeypox is a zoonosis caused by an orthopoxvirus and the clinical presentation resembles that of smallpox and chickenpox. The disease may start with a prodrome that includes lymphadenopathy, headache, fatigue, and fever, followed by a vesiculo-pustular rash. Ocular manifestations such as conjunctivitis and edema are present in approximately 20% of affected people, with a greater incidence among unvaccinated patients. Corneal involvement has also been reported and can result in corneal scarring and severe forms of keratitis. The natural course of the disease is most often benign and self-limiting, however, in some individuals, especially immunocompromised patients, there is a risk of complications such as bronchopneumonia, encephalitis, and vision loss. Herein, we present a case of a patient with monkeypox which caused conjunctival vesicles and anterior uveitis.

Keywords: Anterior uveitis; conjunctiva; monkeypox; monkeypox virus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eye
  • Humans
  • Monkeypox virus
  • Mpox (monkeypox)*
  • Uveitis, Anterior* / diagnosis
  • Zoonoses