Keratoconjunctivitis is more commonly caused by which herpes simplex virus type?

• A. HSV-1
• B. HSV-2
• C. Varicella-Zoster
• D. Epstein-Barr

Answer: (A)

HSV-1 is the herpes simplex virus type most commonly responsible for keratoconjunctivitis. This reflects its usual involvement of the ocular surface, as HSV-1 tends to infect the eye via the trigeminal nerve and reactivates there, leading to keratitis and conjunctivitis. Clinically, HSV-1–related keratoconjunctivitis often shows dendritic corneal ulcers on fluorescein staining and may present with tearing and photophobia. HSV-2 is more typically linked to genital infections and less commonly to ocular disease. Varicella-Zoster virus can affect the eye, particularly as herpes zoster ophthalmicus from reactivation in the ophthalmic division, but it is not the common cause of keratoconjunctivitis. Epstein-Barr virus is not a typical driver of keratoconjunctivitis.