Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
09:43

An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

Published on: March 30, 2018

Transient natural killer deficiency in a boy with herpes simplex virus-associated recurrent erythema multiforme

Maria Francesca Messina1, Serafinella Patrizia Cannavò, Salvatore Aversa

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. francesca.messina@unime.it

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|March 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent erythema multiforme, rare in children, was observed in an adolescent male with a herpes virus infection. This case highlights a transient natural killer cell deficiency as a potential contributing factor.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Erythema multiforme presents with symmetrical macules, papules, and bullae, often on the hands.
  • Common triggers include drugs and infections, notably herpes simplex virus.
  • Recurrent erythema multiforme is exceptionally rare in pediatric patients.

Observation:

  • A male adolescent presented with recurrent erythema multiforme.
  • The condition was linked to a herpes virus infection.
  • The patient exhibited a transient deficiency in natural killer cells.

Findings:

  • The study describes a rare pediatric case of recurrent erythema multiforme.
  • Herpes virus infection was identified as the primary cause.
  • A concurrent transient natural killer cell deficiency was noted.

Implications:

  • This case expands understanding of erythema multiforme triggers in adolescents.
  • It suggests a potential role for natural killer cell function in recurrent erythema multiforme.
  • Further research may explore immune deficiencies in managing recurrent erythema multiforme.

More Related Videos

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis08:44

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis

Published on: September 7, 2022

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation12:22

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation

Published on: April 2, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Genital Herpes01:23

Genital 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...
Herpes01:28

Herpes

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...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus 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...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...