NBEO Microbiology Practice Test

The key idea is how HSV keratitis is treated with topical antivirals and how newer options fit into practice. Topical ganciclovir has become a common choice for herpetic keratitis because it effectively suppresses the virus and tends to have less surface toxicity than trifluridine. Because of its good tolerability and strong antiviral activity, clinicians often use ganciclovir gel either on its own or in addition to, or in place of, trifluridine depending on the case. Fomivirsen is not a standard therapy for HSV keratitis; it’s an antisense treatment used intravitreally for CMV, not HSV keratitis. Acyclovir is not universally used topically for HSV keratitis; many regimens rely on oral or other systemic therapy, with topical acyclovir used less consistently. So the statement that ganciclovir is commonly used topically in addition to or instead of trifluridine is the true one.