NOT one of the main causes of interstitial keratitis?

NOT one of the main causes of interstitial keratitis?

• A. Congenital syphilis
• B. Tuberculosis
• C. Herpes simplex
• D. Acquired syphilis

Answer: (D)

Interstitial keratitis is a stromal corneal inflammation most classically tied to congenital syphilis, where fetal infection leads to a delayed immune response in the cornea with scarring and vascular changes. Tuberculosis can cause granulomatous keratitis with stromal involvement, and herpes simplex can also produce stromal keratitis, including interstitial-type inflammation. Acquired syphilis, while it can affect the eye in other ways, is not a typical cause of interstitial keratitis. Therefore, the option describing acquired syphilis is not a main cause.

Interstitial keratitis is a stromal corneal inflammation most classically tied to congenital syphilis, where fetal infection leads to a delayed immune response in the cornea with scarring and vascular changes. Tuberculosis can cause granulomatous keratitis with stromal involvement, and herpes simplex can also produce stromal keratitis, including interstitial-type inflammation. Acquired syphilis, while it can affect the eye in other ways, is not a typical cause of interstitial keratitis. Therefore, the option describing acquired syphilis is not a main cause.