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A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
[Herpes simplex can cause acute abdomen]
Lene Duch Madsen1, Birgitta Trolle
1Gynækologisk/-obstetrisk Afdeling Y, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Brendstrupgårdsvej 100, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. lduchm@hotmail.com
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause severe illness, even in immunocompetent individuals. This case highlights HSV type 2 presenting as unexplained abdominal pain and bladder lesions in a young woman.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.
- HSV can manifest with severe symptoms, necessitating thorough diagnostic evaluation.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old woman, seemingly immunocompetent, presented with a week of unexplained abdominal pain.
- Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed vesicular elements on the bladder wall.
Findings:
- Biopsies confirmed the presence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
- This indicates a rare presentation of HSV-2 infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering HSV in the differential diagnosis of unexplained abdominal pain, even in immunocompetent patients.
- Early recognition and diagnosis of HSV infections are crucial for timely management and preventing potential complications.
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