Widespread cutaneous herpes simplex type II infection.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus type II (HSV-2) typically causes genital herpes but can lead to severe disseminated infections in immunocompromised individuals.
• Widespread cutaneous HSV-2 infections are rare and associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
• This study presents a unique case of disseminated cutaneous HSV-2 in an adult survivor.

Observation:

• A widespread cutaneous infection caused by herpes simplex virus type II was confirmed in an adult patient.
• Viral presence was identified through characteristic cytopathic effects in Vero cell cultures.
• Microscopic examination revealed enlarged, multinucleated syncytial cells and cell lysis, indicative of HSV-2 infection.

Findings:

• The patient survived a severe, culture-proven, disseminated cutaneous herpes simplex type II infection.
• Photodynamic inactivation therapy using acriflavine dye and fluorescent light was successfully employed.
• This represents the first documented case of survival from such a widespread cutaneous HSV-2 infection.

Implications:

• Photodynamic inactivation therapy shows promise as a treatment modality for severe, disseminated cutaneous herpes simplex virus type II infections.
• Understanding the management of rare, severe HSV-2 presentations can inform clinical practice.
• This case highlights the potential for recovery even in life-threatening viral skin infections.