Clinical epidemiology of symptomatic primary herpetic infection in children. A study of 50 cases

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A Taieb, S Body, I Astar

    Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica
    |January 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Primary herpetic infections in children peak between 6-24 months, often linked to herpes labialis. Severe cases like Kaposi-Juliusberg

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
    • Virology
    • Dermatology

    Background:

    • Primary herpetic infections are common in children.
    • Understanding transmission and clinical presentations is crucial for prevention and management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze clinical features, incidence, and transmission routes of primary herpetic infections in a cohort of 50 children.
    • To identify risk factors and severe presentations for improved preventative strategies.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective study of 50 children diagnosed with primary herpetic infection between 1975-1985.
    • Clinical data collection including age, sex, social status, infection source, and clinical presentation.
    • Viral isolation and identification (Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2).

    Main Results:

    • Peak incidence observed between 6 and 24 months of age.
    • Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) was the most frequent cause, leading to gingivostomatitis.
    • Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) was isolated in 10% of cases.
    • Multifocal infections occurred in 36% of patients.
    • Autoinoculation was a notable transmission route for genital primary infections.
    • Herpetic Kaposi-Juliusberg's pustulosis in infants with atopic dermatitis represented the most severe presentation.

    Conclusions:

    • Primary herpetic infections in children lack sex or seasonal predilection.
    • Recurrent herpes labialis is a common source of infection.
    • Early-onset infections (first six months) and multifocal presentations require attention.
    • Severe presentations like herpetic Kaposi-Juliusberg's pustulosis necessitate enhanced preventive measures, particularly in infants with atopic dermatitis.

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