Zirgan (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) / Bausch Health, Thea Laboratories - LARVOL DELTA

From infection to infarction: cytomegalovirus retinitis complicated by retinal ischemia and vitreous hemorrhage in the setting of JAK inhibition - a case report. (PubMed, BMC Ophthalmol) - "This case illustrates CMV retinitis in the setting of JAK inhibition complicated by delayed retinal ischemia and vitreous hemorrhage arising remote from the original retinitis. Although ischemic vasculopathy is a recognized complication of CMV retinitis among non-HIV immunosuppressed patients, such sequelae have been infrequently documented in JAK inhibitor-associated cases. Ophthalmologists should maintain a high index of suspicion for CMV retinitis in this emerging population and continue close surveillance for delayed ischemic complications even after apparent disease stabilization."

Journal • Achromatopsia • Cardiovascular • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Genetic Disorders • Hematological Disorders • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammatory Arthritis • Leukopenia • Macular Edema • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Retinal Disorders • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Rheumatology • Uveitis

Antiviral drugs for treating alopecia areata (ChiCTR) - P=N/A | N=184 | Not yet recruiting | Sponsor: Beijing Hospital; Beijing Hospital

New trial • Alopecia • Dermatology • Immunology

Development of ganciclovir/resveratrol coloaded bilosomes for improvement of ophthalmic delivery and therapeutic efficacy. (PubMed, J Liposome Res) - "Histological evaluation demonstrated that F4 surpassed F3, showing non-irritant properties and marked anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusively, these findings suggested that F4 coloaded with ganciclovir and resveratrol might be a promising strategy for the feasible treatment of ocular viral infection and its accompanying inflammatory symptoms."

Journal • Genetic Disorders • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammation • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Retinal Disorders

Cytomegalovirus retinitis during upadacitinib monotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis: a case report. (PubMed, J Rheum Dis) - "Upadacitinib was initiated due to refractory disease despite anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, and methotrexate was tapered out over 3 months...Treatment with intravitreal ganciclovir alone led to the resolution of symptoms without major complications. A literature review identified seven reported cases of CMVR in RA patients, mostly in those treated with biologics or JAKis, with advanced age emerging as a key risk factor. Given the increasing use of JAKis, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for CMVR in elderly RA patients taking JAKis when presenting with acute or subacute ocular symptoms."

Journal • Monotherapy • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Genetic Disorders • Herpes Zoster • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammatory Arthritis • Ocular Inflammation • Oncology • Ophthalmology • Retinal Disorders • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Rheumatology • Varicella Zoster

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of twenty patients with cytomegalovirus-associated anterior uveitis treated with valganciclovir. (PubMed, Int Ophthalmol) - "Oral VGV therapy is an effective and safe treatment for CMV AU. Effective prevention against glaucoma involves early detection of CMV AU and prompt access to oral VGV treatment."

Journal • Retrospective data • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Glaucoma • Inflammation • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Uveitis

Genomic characterization of non-O1, non-O139 Vibrio cholerae causing rare clinical manifestation. (PubMed, BMC Infect Dis) - "This study represents the first investigation of a primary pulmonary Vibrio cholerae infection reported in Europe following a near-drowning event. While Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio metschnikovii have been implicated in similar pneumonia cases, the precise virulence mechanisms of these species remain poorly understood. Although non-O1, non-O139 Vibrio cholerae infections associated with recreational water exposure are rare in Hungary (1-2 cases per year), this study underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance for the detection of potential outbreaks and to inform public health responses."

Journal • Cholera • Infectious Disease • Pneumonia • Respiratory Diseases

A Rare Case of Disseminated Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Late Transplant Recipient Using Belatacept (KIDNEY WEEK 2025) - "She received Basiliximab as induction immunosuppressive and maintenance with Belatacept, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone...Meropenem was initiated per urine culture with partial relief, prompting cystoscopy...Full dose Valganciclovir was started...Screening is usually limited to the first year post-transplant. This case highlights a severe late-onset CMV infection during a period of low incidence and clinical suspicion."

Clinical • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Fatigue • Genetic Disorders • Hematological Disorders • Infectious Disease • Nephrology • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Polycystic Kidney Disease • Retinal Disorders • Solid Organ Transplantation • Transplantation

Fusarium oxysporum Endogenous Endophthalmitis After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. (PubMed, Ocul Immunol Inflamm) - "An intravitreal ganciclovir was injected initially, suspecting LE CMV retinitis. Despite multifaceted treatment, the LE progressed to total retinal detachment without any salvageable vision. This report illustrates the first case of Fusarium oxysporum-associated FEE in an HCT patient and highlights the diagnostic challenges, need for early aggressive treatment, and poor outcome in such cases."

Journal • Aplastic Anemia • Bone Marrow Transplantation • Genetic Disorders • Graft versus Host Disease • Hematological Disorders • Immunology • Ocular Infections • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Retinal Disorders • Transplantation

Necrotizing Herpetic Retinopathy: A Case of Delayed Acute Retinal Necrosis Presentation in a Patient With Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus and Complications. (PubMed, Cureus) - "The patient was placed on standard ARN treatment with IV acyclovir three times a day, ophthalmic prednisolone drops two to four times a day, and a single dose of intravitreal ganciclovir injection. This case report discusses a patient presenting with classic symptoms of a unique retinal pathology, ARN, complicated by severe retinal detachment. The goal of this case report is to bring awareness of a rare disease to assist providers in making an efficient diagnosis to prevent vision loss."

Journal • Atherosclerosis • Cardiovascular • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Diabetes • Diabetic Retinopathy • Hematological Disorders • Herpes Simplex • Herpes Zoster • Human Immunodeficiency Virus • Infectious Disease • Metabolic Disorders • Nicotine Addiction • Ophthalmology • Pain • Rare Diseases • Retinal Disorders • Tobacco Addiction • Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus • Varicella Zoster

A case series: cytomegalovirus retinitis following autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation: a call for early detection and aggressive management. (PubMed, Front Med (Lausanne)) - "Management primarily involved intravitreal ganciclovir injections in the majority of affected eyes. To enable early detection and intervention that may improve visual outcomes, we advocate for proactive ophthalmologic surveillance in patients-particularly those with high-risk persistent CMV DNAemia, severe lymphopenia, or any ocular symptoms (irrespective of systemic CMV DNAemia status). This surveillance should comprise extended immune monitoring and routine fundoscopic examinations to facilitate timely diagnosis."

Journal • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Genetic Disorders • Hematological Disorders • Hematological Malignancies • Infectious Disease • Ocular Inflammation • Oncology • Ophthalmology • Retinal Disorders • Transplantation • CD4

Concurrent Detection of Varicella-Zoster Virus and Human Herpesvirus-6 in Corneal Endotheliitis: A Case Report. (PubMed, Cureus) - "Initial treatment with acyclovir ointment and betamethasone drops was supplemented with ganciclovir drops targeting HHV-6. The successful therapeutic response to combined antiviral therapy targeting both viral pathogens suggests that comprehensive herpes virus screening and tailored antiviral treatment may be crucial for optimal outcomes. Digital PCR technology enables precise viral identification, facilitating evidence-based antiviral selection in complex cases."

Journal • Conjunctivitis • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections • Herpes Simplex • Herpes Zoster • Infectious Disease • Ocular Infections • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Varicella Zoster

A Case Report of Cytomegalovirus-Associated Anterior Uveitis With Atypical Bilateral Circumferential Peripheral Iris Atrophy. (PubMed, Cureus) - "The patient was treated with topical ganciclovir prepared from an injectable formulation, together with steroids and anti-glaucoma medications. While trabeculotomy provided some intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, trabeculectomy proved more effective in achieving long-term IOP stability, consistent with previous reports. This case illustrates that CMV-AU may present bilaterally with atypical features and highlights the importance of early recognition, particularly for ophthalmology residents and general ophthalmologists who are not specialized in uveitis or glaucoma."

Journal • Cardiovascular • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Glaucoma • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Uveitis

Successful Management of a Rare Keratitis Caused by Mycobacterium Immunogenum After a Series of Misdiagnoses. (PubMed, Eye Contact Lens) - "Previous treatment at other hospitals with oral antivirals, topical corticosteroids, and ganciclovir ointment for presumed herpetic keratitis had failed, with progressive vision decline from 20/20 to 20/50...Initial therapy with topical amikacin proved ineffective and caused significant ocular toxicity, whereas adjunctive oral azithromycin showed no clinical benefit...It is easily misdiagnosed in the early stages, whereas mNGS can aid in pathogen identification. Treatment with 0.3% gatifloxacin eye gel suggests potentially superior efficacy and safety in such condition."

Journal • Keratitis • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology

Impact of anti-viral therapy in CMV-positive anterior uveitis : Recurrence risk and corneal endothelial cell protection. (PubMed, Ophthalmology) - "CMV-AU exhibited a very high recurrence rate, which was significantly reduced by anti-viral therapy. Oral valganciclovir better preserved corneal endothelial cell than 2% ganciclovir, but featured increased recurrence after step-down to the 0.15% ganciclovir."

Journal • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Uveitis

Comprehensive insights into cytomegalovirus anterior segment infections: A narrative review. (PubMed, Taiwan J Ophthalmol) - "Antiviral therapy is crucial, with topical ganciclovir (GCV) gel often first line. Oral valganciclovir is used for systemic treatment, especially in severe cases...Treatment duration varies, and long-term maintenance may be necessary. More research is needed to standardize treatment protocols and further understand the pathogenesis and immunopathogenesis of CMV anterior uveitis."

Journal • Review • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Glaucoma • Herpes Simplex • Herpes Zoster • Infectious Disease • Inflammation • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Uveitis • Varicella Zoster

A novel strategy for the management of cytomegalovirus retinitis in immunocompromised patients using new anti-cytomegalovirus drugs. (PubMed, Front Med (Lausanne)) - "Weekly intravitreal injections of high-dose (6 mg) ganciclovir (IVG) were administered to those with macula involvement or aggressive lesions during the initial treatment. Both letermovir and maribavir demonstrated excellent tolerability with no adverse events observed. This novel therapeutic strategy provides safe and effective treatment option for CMVR, particularly promising for patients with complex systemic comorbidities."

Journal • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Genetic Disorders • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Retinal Disorders

Recurrent Congenital Cytomegalovirus Chorioretinitis in a Newborn. A Case Report. (PubMed, Cesk Slov Oftalmol) - " In contrast with the focal changes in the peripheral retina observed in adults, congenital CMV infection affecting children is characterized by macular involvement. The degree of visual impairment is directly proportional to the extent of reparative scarring affecting the central retina. From the perspective of prognosis and prevention of potential late retinal complications, screening and regular ophthalmological examinations are essential."

Journal • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Genetic Disorders • Hematological Disorders • Infectious Disease • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Retinal Disorders • Thrombocytopenia • Uveitis

Delayed uveitis after implantable Collamer lens Implantation caused by COVID-19 infection: a case report. (PubMed, Am J Transl Res) - "Treatment with sodium hyaluronate eye drops, ganciclovir ophthalmic gel, and systemic corticosteroids improved symptoms; however, persistent punctate exudates and pigment deposits on the ICL surface exhibited limited resolution. For patients with systemic autoimmune diseases or virus-induced uveitis undergoing ICL implantation, preoperative immunological screening should be actively performed to minimize postoperative complications. Early comprehensive therapy is critical to prevent progressive vision loss and rare transparency alterations of the ICL surface caused by pigment-laden exudates."

Journal • Ankylosing Spondylitis • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammation • Inflammatory Arthritis • Novel Coronavirus Disease • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Respiratory Diseases • Rheumatology • Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies • Uveitis

Cytomegalovirus Corneal Endotheliitis Presenting As Bullous Keratopathy: Resolution With Antiviral Therapy Alone. (PubMed, Cureus) - "Consequently, the patient was diagnosed with CMV-related corneal endotheliitis, and treatment with 0.5% ganciclovir eye drops was initiated. This clinical experience underscores the significance of molecular diagnostic approaches in ophthalmic practice, illustrating how targeted antiviral therapy can effectively restore corneal function in cases previously regarded as suitable only for surgical intervention. Sustained visual improvement was documented throughout the one-year follow-up period, suggesting a paradigm shift in managing select cases of bullous keratopathy."

Journal • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Herpes Simplex • Herpes Zoster • Infectious Disease • Ophthalmology • Transplantation • Varicella Zoster

Cytomegalovirus retinitis in an HIV-infected patient: an unexpected ocular manifestation in the era of antiretroviral therapy (SOE 2025) - "Ganciclovir 250 mg every 12 hours and prophylaxis for pneumocystis with bactrim 400/80 mg twice daily were initiated. After two weeks of treatment, including antiretroviral therapy, the patient demonstrated significant improvement in cutaneous lesions and in the fundoscopic, although with no changes on visual acuity. This case report emphasizes the critical importance of correlating ophthalmological findings with the general physical examination for accurate diagnosis and integrated clinical management following appropriate treatment."

Clinical • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Retinal Disorders

Cytomegalovirus retinitis: a major threat for immunocompromised patients (SOE 2025) - "Systemic treatment with intravenous ganciclovir was initiated, along with antiretroviral triple therapy... CMV retinitis should be considered in any case of necrotizing retinitis in immunocompromised patients. This case underscores the importance of close and systematic monitoring in patients with severely reduced CD4 counts and/or CMV viremia."

Clinical • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Retinal Disorders • CD4

CMV retinitis in HIV-infected patients: Plasma viral load utility in diagnosis. (PubMed, Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis) - "Plasma viral load testing is a valuable diagnostic tool but cannot replace ophthalmic examination. Quantitative PCR aids in effective virological monitoring and timely treatment initiation."

Journal • Cytomegalovirus Infection • Genetic Disorders • Human Immunodeficiency Virus • Infectious Disease • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology • Retinal Disorders

A Phase Ⅱa Study of the Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of BD111 in Herpes Simplex Virus Type I Stromal Keratitis (clinicaltrials.gov) - P2 | N=40 | Recruiting | Sponsor: Shanghai BDgene Co., Ltd. | Not yet recruiting ➔ Recruiting | Trial completion date: Dec 2026 ➔ Mar 2027 | Initiation date: Sep 2024 ➔ Apr 2025 | Trial primary completion date: Dec 2025 ➔ Dec 2026

Enrollment open • Trial completion date • Trial initiation date • Trial primary completion date • Herpes Simplex • Keratitis • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology

A Study of the Safety, Tolerability and Prelinminary Efficacy of BD111 in Herpes Simplex Virus Type I Stromal Keratitis (clinicaltrials.gov) - P1 | N=16 | Active, not recruiting | Sponsor: Shanghai BDgene Co., Ltd. | Recruiting ➔ Active, not recruiting | Trial completion date: Sep 2025 ➔ Mar 2026

Enrollment closed • Trial completion date • Herpes Simplex • Keratitis • Ocular Inflammation • Ophthalmology

In-situ gel bases ocular delivery system of Ganciclovir, in-vivo and in-vitro investigation. (PubMed, BMC Pharmacol Toxicol) - "These findings confirm that the optimized ganciclovir in situ gel preparation improves eye permeation and prolongs ocular retention time, thus enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. Its sustained release and prolonged retention time make it a promising alternative to conventional eye drops, offering better patient compliance and efficacy."

Journal • Preclinical • Infectious Disease • Ocular Infections • Ophthalmology