Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

A Ligated Intestinal Loop Model in Anesthetized Specific Pathogen Free Chickens to Study Clostridium Perfringens Virulence
09:21

A Ligated Intestinal Loop Model in Anesthetized Specific Pathogen Free Chickens to Study Clostridium Perfringens Virulence

Published on: October 11, 2018

Primary herpetic peritonitis causing intestinal perforation: case report and review of the literature

Theodoros Katsivas1, Richard Sokolov, Marjorie Miller

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA. tkats@prodigy.net

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|August 13, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Viral peritonitis is uncommon, with few cases documented. This study details a rare instance of primary herpetic peritonitis caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, leading to intestinal perforation.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Peritonitis, an inflammation of the peritoneum, is typically bacterial.
  • Viral causes of peritonitis are exceptionally rare in medical literature.
  • Previous reports are limited, with one case associated with peritoneal dialysis.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with symptoms indicative of peritonitis.
  • Diagnostic investigations identified herpes simplex virus type 1 as the causative agent.
  • The viral infection led to a critical complication: intestinal perforation.

Findings:

  • Primary herpetic peritonitis was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for herpes simplex virus type 1.
  • The case highlights a severe outcome of viral peritonitis, namely intestinal perforation.
  • Literature review supports the rarity of this condition and explores potential disease mechanisms.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of viral peritonitis presentations and complications.
  • It underscores the importance of considering viral etiologies, even in rare instances.
  • Further research into pathophysiologic mechanisms of herpetic peritonitis is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Peptic Ulcer01:27

Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcers are erosive lesions of the gastric or duodenal lining, most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. This Gram-negative, helical bacterium has adapted to survive the stomach’s acidic environment by producing urease, which converts urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia neutralizes gastric acid in the bacterium’s immediate environment, allowing colonization of the gastric mucosa. H. pylori attaches to mucus-secreting epithelial cells, penetrates the mucus...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...