[Cowpox and catpox infection. 2 Clinical case reports]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cowpox and catpox are zoonotic viral diseases caused by orthopoxviruses.
• These infections can present with painful, hemorrhagic vesicles and black crusts, particularly on the hands, fingers, face, or neck.
• A history of contact with infected animals, such as cows or cats, is a key indicator.

Observation:

• Two female patients developed typical skin lesions consistent with cowpox/catpox infection.
• Both patients had a history of recent contact with cows or cats.
• The clinical presentation included painful, possibly hemorrhagic vesicles or black crusts.

Findings:

• Clinical diagnosis of cowpox/catpox infection is supported by characteristic skin lesions and patient history.
• Diagnostic confirmation can be achieved through electron microscopy (detecting cytoplasmic inclusions histologically), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for virus identification, cell culture, and serological tests for virus-specific antibodies.
• The study highlights the utility of these diagnostic tools in identifying the infection.

Implications:

• Early and accurate diagnosis of cowpox/catpox is crucial for appropriate patient management and preventing potential spread.
• Understanding the diagnostic approaches, including viral identification and serological testing, aids clinicians in confirming the infection.
• The report emphasizes the importance of considering cowpox/catpox in differential diagnoses for patients presenting with specific skin lesions and relevant animal contact history.