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Wrestling and herpetic esophagitis
Julie Khlevner1, Christy Beneri, Jeffrey A Morganstern
1Department of Pediatrics, Stony Brook Long Island Children's Hospital, Stony Brook, NY, USA. Juliekhlevner@gmail.com
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|May 6, 2011
Summary
Herpes simplex virus esophagitis is rare in healthy children. Two young wrestlers developed this condition, suggesting wrestling may transmit the virus.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Virology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) esophagitis is uncommon in immunocompetent children.
- Esophageal inflammation and ulceration are primary symptoms.
Observation:
- Two immunocompetent pediatric wrestlers on the same team presented with fever, odynophagia (painful swallowing), and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
- Esophageal biopsies revealed ulceration and exudate consistent with viral esophagitis.
Findings:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of herpes simplex virus in esophageal samples.
- The clinical presentation and diagnosis in these two athletes suggest a potential link between close physical contact in sports and HSV transmission.
Implications:
- This case series highlights wrestling as a potential transmission route for herpes simplex virus esophagitis in immunocompetent children.
- Increased awareness among healthcare providers and sports organizations is crucial for early diagnosis and prevention of HSV spread in athletic settings.
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