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Disseminated HSV-1 in a five-year-old immunocompetent child: case report
Mohit Singla1, Stanley Borowicz, Ramzan Shahid
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois-College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. msingla@uic.edu
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|June 20, 2007
Summary
Disseminated herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is rare in immunocompetent children. This case shows a 5-year-old boy with disseminated HSV-1, multiorgan failure, and DIC, who recovered well with acyclovir treatment.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Disseminated herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infections typically occur in neonates or immunocompromised individuals.
- HSV-1 is a common viral infection, but severe, disseminated forms are infrequent in healthy children.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old immunocompetent male presented with fever and seizures.
- The patient subsequently developed multiorgan failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Findings:
- Diagnosis of disseminated HSV-1 infection was confirmed.
- The child experienced an excellent clinical outcome following treatment with intravenous acyclovir.
Implications:
- This case highlights that disseminated HSV-1 can occur in immunocompetent children, challenging typical clinical presentations.
- Early recognition and prompt antiviral therapy with acyclovir are crucial for favorable outcomes in severe HSV-1 infections.
- Further research may elucidate specific host factors contributing to severe HSV-1 in immunocompetent pediatric populations.
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