Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi
12:33

Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi

Published on: July 6, 2016

Case report: herpes meningitis complicating genital herpes presenting as anal fissure

Ravi Marudanayagam1, Thu Linn, Antony D Fox

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Shrewsbury, West Midlands, UK. ravim1973@yahoo.co.in

Herpes : the Journal of the IHMF
|October 18, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Atypical perianal fissures in a 33-year-old woman were linked to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, causing both perianal ulcers and meningitis. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and prolonged discomfort.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Perianal fissures are common but can present atypically.
  • Systemic symptoms may indicate underlying infections.
  • Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) can cause various manifestations.

Observation:

  • A 33-year-old woman presented with severe perianal pain, headache, and photophobia.
  • Physical examination revealed multiple atypical perianal fissures.
  • Neurological findings were non-specific.

Findings:

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed HSV-2 in perianal swabs.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed herpes meningitis.
  • The patient was diagnosed with perianal HSV-2 ulcer and herpes meningitis.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of thorough investigation for atypical anal fissures, especially with concurrent systemic symptoms.
  • Underscores the need to consider HSV-2 in cases of unexplained perianal lesions and neurological signs.
  • Emphasizes avoiding misdiagnosis and ensuring appropriate treatment for herpes-related conditions to alleviate patient suffering.

More Related Videos

Plaquing of Herpes Simplex Viruses04:41

Plaquing of Herpes Simplex Viruses

Published on: November 5, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Genital Herpes01:23

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...
Herpes01:28

Herpes

Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Trichomoniasis01:18

Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the United States. This extracellular parasite primarily colonizes the lower genitourinary tract in women—particularly the vagina—and in men, the urethra and prostate. Its structural and functional adaptations enable its survival, motility, and pathogenicity within the host environment.Structural Features and Host EntryT.
Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...