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Conditional Reprogramming of Pediatric Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells for Use in Tissue Engineering and Disease Investigation
Published on: March 22, 2017
Herpes simplex ulcerative esophagitis in healthy children
Abdulrahman A Al-Hussaini1, Mosa A Fagih
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. aa_alhussaini@yahoo.com
Summary
Herpes simplex virus esophagitis (HSVE) is rare in healthy children. This study details three cases of HSVE in immunocompetent children, highlighting diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) commonly causes esophagitis in immunocompromised individuals.
- Herpes simplex virus esophagitis (HSVE) is considered rare in immunocompetent hosts.
Observation:
- This report describes three cases of HSVE in children with no apparent immune deficiencies.
- Clinical presentation included acute fever, odynophagia, and dysphagia.
Findings:
- Endoscopic diagnosis was confirmed by viral inclusions and culture in two cases.
- The third case showed probable HSVE with serologic confirmation.
- All patients had normal immunological workups.
Implications:
- HSVE should be considered in immunocompetent children presenting with relevant symptoms.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment, such as with acyclovir, can lead to favorable outcomes.
- This finding expands the known clinical spectrum of HSV infections in pediatric populations.
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