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Viremia with herpes simplex type 1 in adults. Four nonfatal cases, one with features of chicken pox
Abstract:
Recovery of herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 1 from the blood buffy coat of four adults is reported for the first time. All of the patients had vesicular stomatitis and facial vesicles; two also had either keratoconjunctivitis or disseminated skin lesions. The infection was not the primary one with HSV in any of them. Two of three patients who had renal failure were receiving immunosuppressive drugs; one patient was normal except for alcoholism and diabetes. None developed signs of visceral organ infection and all recovered within 2 to 4 weeks. The findings demonstrate the occurrence of heretofore unrecognized nonfatal HSV Type 1 viremia in both healthy and immunosuppressed leukocytes, can occur regardless of the presence of serum antibody, and may or may not be associated with the disseminated lesions.
Insights
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 1 viremia was identified in the blood buffy coat of four adults with facial lesions. This nonfatal HSV-1 viremia occurred in healthy and immunosuppressed individuals, even with existing antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 1 is a common human pathogen.
- HSV-1 typically causes oral or genital lesions.
- Viremia, the presence of viruses in the blood, is usually associated with severe disease.
Observation:
- HSV-1 was recovered from the blood buffy coat of four adult patients presenting with vesicular stomatitis and facial vesicles.
- Two patients also had keratoconjunctivitis or disseminated skin lesions.
- The HSV-1 infections were not primary infections in these patients.
Findings:
- This study reports the first instance of nonfatal HSV Type 1 viremia in adults.
- Viremia occurred in both healthy and immunosuppressed individuals, including those with renal failure and underlying conditions like alcoholism and diabetes.
- The presence of serum antibodies did not prevent HSV-1 viremia.
Implications:
- These findings reveal a previously unrecognized form of HSV-1 infection.
- Nonfatal HSV-1 viremia can occur in diverse patient populations, including those with pre-existing conditions and immunosuppression.
- Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of HSV-1 infections.