Monkeypox-related ophthalmic disease

Abstract

Monkeypox (Mpox) is an acute febrile rash illness caused by the Mpox virus. The ongoing international outbreak since mid-2022 has spread worldwide, including Taiwan. Ocular involvement in Mpox infection is uncommon, including external and ocular surface lesions. Here, we describe a man who developed unilateral blepharoconjunctivitis and preseptal cellulitis, followed by the appearance of skin symptoms 6 days after the ocular manifestations. Samples taken from his oropharynx and skin lesions tested positive for the Mpox virus through a polymerase chain reaction test. He was hospitalized for isolation with topical lubricant, antibiotic, and acyclovir eye ointment until the skin lesions healed. However, on the day of discharge, punctate epithelial keratitis was observed in the same eye. The corneal lesion also tested positive for the Mpox virus. His keratitis progressed to dendritic ulceration, and treatment with tecovirimat was initiated. Initially, his corneal ulcer responded well to tecovirimat, but 12 days later, it deteriorated along with cells in the anterior chamber. To treat his condition, low-dose steroid and ganciclovir eye drops were administered. Eventually, the patient experienced resolution of the corneal lesion, leaving a scar.