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Herpes simplex virus colitis complicating ulcerative colitis: A case report and brief review on superinfections
Marco Oliver Schunter1, Thorsten Walles, Peter Fritz
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Robert Bosch Hospital, Auerbachstrasse 110, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany.
Abstract:
In patients with inflammatory bowel disease herpes simplex virus infection has been described as a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Here we present the case of a 35-year old woman with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis caused by herlpes simplex virus infection (HSV-2). The diagnosis was confirmed histologically following subtotal colectomy. After intravenous treatment with aciclovir for 2 weeks postoperative hematochezia stopped. Herpes simplex virus colitis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of immunosuppressive treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Prompt diagnosis and efficient antiviral therapy are mandatory to improve prognosis.
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