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Human orf. A diagnostic consideration?
M J Gill1, J Arlette, K A Buchan
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Abstract:
We saw four unrelated cases of human orf infection over a 3-month period. Each patient had a clear-cut history of contact with sheep and developed a characteristic painful pustular lesion on the hand. There were no significant systemic symptoms. Examination of an aspirate by electron microscopy confirmed the diagnosis. The lesions resolved spontaneously within 6 weeks. Human orf infection occurs in North America, and although seldom reported, it should be considered in the diagnosis of cutaneous lesions in patients who have exposure to animals associated with it.
Insights
Human orf virus (orf) infection, a painful hand lesion from sheep contact, is confirmed by electron microscopy. Though rare in North America, consider orf in diagnosing skin lesions after animal exposure.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Zoonotic Infections
- Dermatology
Background:
- Orf virus (orf) is a parapoxvirus that commonly infects sheep and goats.
- Human orf infection is a rare zoonotic disease, typically presenting as a localized skin lesion.
- Cases are often underreported, particularly in regions like North America.