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Zoster-like eruption due to echovirus 6.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|March 1, 1979
Summary
Echovirus 6 can cause vesicular eruptions mimicking herpes zoster in children. Viral cultures are essential for diagnosing these enterovirus-related skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Herpes zoster (shingles) and similar infections are characterized by unilateral, dermatomal vesicular eruptions.
- Varicella (chickenpox) is a common childhood viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy presented with a unilateral, fever-associated vesiculobullous eruption on his neck, shoulder, and chest, involving three dermatomes.
- The patient had a history of varicella in infancy.
Findings:
- Fluid cultures from the patient's bullae identified echovirus 6.
- A significant rise in serum neutralizing antibody titer to echovirus 6 was observed (1:32 to 1:640).
Implications:
- Echovirus 6 and other enteroviruses can induce vesicular eruptions that clinically resemble herpes zoster.
- Viral culture is the definitive diagnostic method for identifying the causative agent in such atypical presentations.
- This case highlights the importance of considering enteroviral infections in the differential diagnosis of zosteriform eruptions.