[Clinical investigation of burn wound infection with type I herpes simplex virus]

To elucidate the clinical features of burn wound infection with type I herpes simplex virus (HSV -- 1), so as to propose the possible therapeutic measures.

Burn wound infection with HSV -- 1 was diagnosed in 7 cases by means of bacterial culture, PCR detection of virus, immunohistochemical staining and pathomorphological section with the exclusion of other causes. In addition, the clinical signs and the features of the development of the infection in 62 cases were recorded and analyzed.

In the burn patients with the infection, the burn wounds were covered by tumor-like masses with the cauliflower appearance. In the 7 cases who underwent pathomorphological examination, 5 with positive HSV -- I. Epithelial cells exhibited balloon -- like appearance, and reticular degeneration, and inclusion bodies were found in balloon-like cells under microscope examination. In the late stage, there revealed obvious proliferation of epithelial prickle cell layer in shape of pseudopapillomatous mass with the obvious liquefaction of basal cells. The sufferers exhibited evident local signs with mild systemic reaction. The management of the wound included wet compress with the addition of neomycin and pentacyclic guanosine.

With the employment of PCR virus detection and immunohistochemical staining, burn wound infection with HSV -- I could be identified. Non -- surgical treatment could be effective.