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[Herpes simplex causing a therapy-resistant panaritium (author's transl)]
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|May 20, 1977
Abstract:
In an eight-month-old child an inflammation developed in the region of the nail bed of the right middle finger. It showed no improvement after immobilisation, extraction of the nail and antibiotics. After ten months unsuccessful treatment electron microscopy of the inflammatory tissue showed numerous Herpes simplex viruses. These increased rapidly in tissue culture and could be neutralised with antibodies against Herpes simplex virus.
Insights
Persistent inflammation in an infant's finger was ultimately diagnosed as a Herpes simplex virus infection. This viral cause was confirmed through electron microscopy and tissue culture analysis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Dermatology
Background:
- A case study focusing on an eight-month-old child with persistent inflammation of the right middle finger's nail bed.
- Initial treatments including immobilization, nail extraction, and antibiotics proved ineffective over a ten-month period.
Observation:
- Electron microscopy was performed on the inflammatory tissue due to the lack of treatment response.
- Microscopic examination revealed the presence of numerous Herpes simplex viruses within the affected tissue.
Findings:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) was identified as the causative agent of the chronic inflammation.
- The identified viruses demonstrated rapid proliferation in tissue culture.
- Neutralization assays confirmed the viral identity using antibodies specific to Herpes simplex virus.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering viral etiologies, such as Herpes simplex virus, in refractory pediatric inflammatory conditions.
- Suggests electron microscopy as a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying viral infections in challenging clinical cases.
- Underscores the need for timely and accurate diagnosis for effective treatment of pediatric viral infections.