Ramsay Hunt syndrome in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) involves herpes zoster affecting the facial nerve in the head and neck.
• Immunocompromised individuals, including those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), have an increased risk of herpes zoster.
• RHS cases in HIV-positive patients are infrequently documented.

Observation:

• This report details two distinct cases of Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
• Both patients diagnosed with RHS were also living with HIV.
• The cases occurred at a hospital in southern Brazil.

Findings:

• The occurrence of RHS in HIV-positive individuals, though rare, has been confirmed in these two cases.
• These findings underscore the potential for herpes zoster reactivation presenting as RHS in the context of HIV infection.

Implications:

• Increased clinical awareness of RHS among healthcare professionals managing HIV patients is crucial.
• Early recognition and diagnosis of RHS in HIV-positive individuals can lead to timely intervention.
• This report contributes to the limited literature on RHS in the context of HIV, aiding in better understanding and patient care.