Related Experiment Videos
Hypertrophic herpes simplex virus in HIV patients
William L Fangman1, Caroline H Rao, Sarah A Myers
1Duke University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, DUMC 3822, Durham, NC 27710, USA. fangm003@mc.duke.edu
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD
|July 11, 2003
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) in HIV patients can cause chronic plaques, not just ulcers. Early diagnosis and antiviral resistance testing are crucial for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Classic HSV lesions are typically acute and ulcerative.
Observation:
- In HIV patients, HSV lesions can manifest as chronic, hyperproliferative plaques.
- This atypical presentation may be mistaken for other dermatological conditions.
Findings:
- The study highlights a non-ulcerative, plaque-like presentation of HSV in the context of HIV.
- This underscores the importance of considering HSV in the differential diagnosis of chronic skin lesions in immunocompromised individuals.
Implications:
- Physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for HSV, even with atypical presentations in HIV patients.
- Diagnostic workup may require repeat biopsies and cultures to confirm HSV.
- Antiviral resistance is a concern, necessitating sensitivity testing and understanding of drug mechanisms for optimal treatment of HSV in HIV patients.