A dendritic ulcer is caused by –
**Core Concept**
A dendritic ulcer is a type of corneal ulcer characterized by a branching, tree-like pattern. It is typically caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, which leads to corneal inflammation and ulceration.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is due to the pathophysiology of HSV infection. HSV-1, the most common serotype causing dendritic ulcers, infects the corneal epithelium, leading to cell lysis and the characteristic branching pattern of the ulcer. The virus replicates within the corneal cells, causing inflammation and necrosis, which results in the formation of a dendritic ulcer. The virus's ability to cause cell-to-cell spread and its tropism for corneal epithelial cells contribute to the development of this type of ulcer.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the cause of dendritic ulcers. While other pathogens can cause corneal ulcers, HSV is the primary cause of dendritic ulcers.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is a type of bacterial corneal ulcer, not a viral one. Bacterial ulcers typically have a different clinical presentation and are caused by different pathogens.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is a type of fungal corneal ulcer, not a viral one. Fungal ulcers can have a similar appearance to dendritic ulcers but are caused by different pathogens and have distinct clinical features.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
HSV-1 is a common cause of dendritic ulcers, and these ulcers can be treated with antiviral medications such as trifluridine or ganciclovir. It is essential to diagnose HSV-1 infection promptly to prevent complications and promote healing.
**Correct Answer: D. HSV-1**