Patient with longstanding mpox keratitis successfully treated with topical Cidofovir 0.5% eye drops: a case report - Report - MDSpire

Successful Treatment of Longstanding Mpox Keratitis with Topical 0.5% Cidofovir Eye Drops: A Case Study

  • By

  • Otiti-Sengeri, Juliet

  • Mugisha, Derrick

  • Ngoma, Deogratias Badeseke

  • Lusobya, Rebecca Claire

  • Atukunda, Immaculate

  • Colebunders, Robert

  • May 21, 2026

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Clinical Report: Successful Treatment of Longstanding Mpox Keratitis

Overview

This report details the use of topical 0.5% cidofovir eye drops in a patient with severe mpox keratitis unresponsive to trifluridine.

Background

Mpox virus can cause significant ocular complications, including keratitis, which may lead to permanent visual impairment. The prevalence of ocular involvement varies by viral clade, with recent outbreaks indicating a concerning rise in severe ocular disease. Current treatment options are limited.

Data Highlights

No numerical or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • Ocular mpox can lead to severe complications, including keratitis and potential blindness.
  • Current CDC guidelines recommend urgent ophthalmologic evaluation and topical trifluridine for mpox keratitis.
  • Topical cidofovir has been used in other viral keratitis cases.
  • This case represents the first documented use of cidofovir for mpox keratitis.
  • Prolonged use of trifluridine may cause corneal toxicity.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the potential benefits and risks when managing ocular mpox infections.

Conclusion

This case highlights the need for effective ocular-targeted treatments for mpox keratitis.

Related Resources & Content

  1. CDC, Interim Clinical Considerations for Management of Ocular Monkeypox, 2026 -- Interim Clinical Considerations for Management of Ocular Monkeypox
  2. Ophthalmic Manifestations of the Mpox Virus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PubMed, 2025 -- Ophthalmic Manifestations of the Mpox Virus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
  3. Contact Lens Spectrum — Treatment Plan
  4. Ophthalmology Management — Neurotrophic Keratopathy: New Treatment Strategies
  5. Contact Lens Spectrum — DRY EYE DX AND TX
  6. Contact Lens Spectrum — CONTACT LENS CASE REPORTS Recommendations
  7. Contact Lens Spectrum — Treatment Plan
  8. Ophthalmology Management — Neurotrophic Keratopathy: New Treatment Strategies
  9. Contact Lens Spectrum — DRY EYE DX AND TX
  10. Ophthalmic Manifestations of the Mpox Virus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PubMed
  11. Interim Clinical Considerations for Management of Ocular Monkeypox | Monkeypox | CDC
  12. Rapid Risk Assessment template

Original Source(s)

Patient with longstanding mpox keratitis successfully treated with topical Cidofovir 0.5% eye drops: a case report

  • by Otiti-Sengeri, Juliet, Mugisha, Derrick, Ngoma, Deogratias Badeseke, Lusobya, Rebecca Claire, Atukunda, Immaculate, Colebunders, Robert

  • May 21, 2026

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