[Case report: prolonged croup due to herpes simplex infection]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Croup is a common respiratory illness in children, typically viral in origin.
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a rare cause of croup in otherwise healthy children.
• Diagnosis often relies on clinical presentation and supportive laboratory findings.

Observation:

• A 15-month-old healthy boy presented with persistent croup symptoms.
• Throat culture confirmed herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection.
• Serological tests supported the diagnosis of HSV-1 croup.

Findings:

• The patient received corticosteroid treatment, a standard approach for severe croup.
• The specific risks or benefits of corticosteroids in HSV-1 croup are not well-established.
• This case suggests HSV-1 as a causative agent, distinct from other common viral pathogens.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering less common viral etiologies for croup.
• Raises questions about the management of HSV-1 croup, particularly corticosteroid use.
• Further research is needed to understand the role of HSV in croup and optimal treatment strategies.