DYSLIPIDEMIA IN HERPETIC INFECTION AS A P ATHOGENETIC PROBLEM

Herpes ophthalmicus (HO) patients were examined for lipid spectrum of the serum. The tests revealed dyslipidemia (DLE) with a distinctive ri se in the levels of total cholesterol (CS), alpha-CS and beta-CS. The severity of the lipidemic shifts correlated with that of the infection . DLE was more marked in recurrent HO. Clinical evidence was consisten t with experimental findings. In rabbit models, herpetic keratoconjunc tivitis was characterized by pronounced lipidemic alterations correcta ble with antiherpetic drug furavir. The results are discussed in terms of herpetic infection pathogenesis and its role in the development of atherosclerosis.