Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is associated with a wide spectrum of systemic and ocular infectious diseases. Little information is known about Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) keratoconjunctivitis in association with AIDS.

Because HSV-1 is becoming, day by day, a common eye disease (nearly 100% patients of over 60 years old harbor HSV in their trigeminal ganglia at autopsy), this article discussing a worldwide public health problem.

Aim. The purpose of this paper is to compare the incidence and clinical aspects of HSV-1 Keratitis in HIV/ AIDS patients compared with the general population who develops HSV- 1 Keratitis.

Method. The study is retrospective and comparative. Each patient was examined thoroughly at the biomicroscope ocular slit after corneal staining with fluorescein or rose bengal. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure and corneal sensitivity were also examined.

Results. From 170 patients with HIV and ocular anterior segment disorders, 47 patients had viral etiology. 58 patients had keratitis; 14 of them were HSV-1 keratitis.

Conclusion. Doctors should be aware of the existence of the ocular damage in HIV/ AIDS and emphasize the importance of regular ophthalmologic examination of patients with HIV/ AIDS as HSV infection is common nowadays among the general population.

Abbreviations: HSV = herpes simplex virus, HIV = human immunodeficiency virus, AIDS = acquired immunodeficiency syndrome