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[Cowpox virus infection in a child].
C Heilbronner1, M Harzic, F Ferchal
1Service de pédiatrie, hôpital André-Mignot, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 177, rue de Versailles, 78157 Le-Chesnay, France. cheilb@yahoo.com
Summary
Human cowpox virus infection, though rare, persists in animal reservoirs. Diagnosis can be challenging, often leading to delayed treatment for this typically benign zoonotic disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Human Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Cowpox virus (Orthopoxvirus) infections in humans are uncommon but remain a concern due to existing animal reservoirs.
- While generally benign, cowpox virus infections present diagnostic challenges, often resulting in delayed identification and treatment.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old boy presented with a necrotic sacral wound, fever, and lymphadenopathy, alongside secondary cutaneous and mucous membrane lesions.
- A concurrent veterinary examination of the patient's cat revealed multifocal cutaneous lesions, prompting further investigation.
- Skin biopsies from both the patient and the cat were crucial for identifying the Orthopoxvirus.
Findings:
- The case involved a zoonotic transmission of Orthopoxvirus from a domestic cat to its owner.
- Diagnostic procedures, including skin biopsies, confirmed the presence of the virus in both the animal and human cases.
- The patient's condition showed a slow, favorable response to symptomatic treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering zoonotic viral infections in both human and veterinary medicine.
- The potential impact of ceasing smallpox vaccinations on the prevalence or clinical presentation of other poxvirus infections warrants further investigation.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for favorable outcomes in cowpox virus infections.