Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
11:56
Ex Vivo Infection of Murine Epidermis with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Published on: August 24, 2015
Herpes simplex esophagitis in immunocompetent host: a case report.
G Geraci1, F Pisello, G Modica
1Section of General and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy
|September 15, 2009
Summary
Herpes simplex esophagitis (HSE) can occur in healthy individuals, not just those with weakened immune systems. Early diagnosis and antiviral treatment lead to rapid symptom relief in immunocompetent patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes simplex esophagitis (HSE) is typically observed in immunocompromised individuals.
- It is considered infrequent in immunocompetent patients, making diagnosis challenging.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old healthy male presented with dysphagia, odynophagia, and chest pain.
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed erosive lesions in the distal esophagus.
- Biopsies confirmed esophagitis with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection characteristics.
Findings:
- The patient received high-dose proton pump inhibitors, sucralfate, and oral acyclovir.
- Rapid symptom resolution was observed following treatment.
- HSV type I is a significant cause of infectious esophagitis, often presenting acutely in immunocompetent hosts.
Implications:
- HSE should be considered in cases of unexplained esophagitis, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- Diagnostic endoscopic biopsies are crucial for histopathology and viral culture.
- Further assessment for underlying immune deficiencies, like HIV, is recommended upon HSE diagnosis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Genital 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...
01:28Herpes
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...
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
01:20Chickenpox
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,...