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Herpes Simplex Virus Esophagitis in an Immunocompetent Patient
Raj Shah1, Stuti Patel2, Richard Henriquez1
1Internal Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine / Hospital Corporation of America Healthcare Graduate Medical Education, Orlando, USA.
Cureus
|October 6, 2023
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) esophagitis is rare in healthy individuals. Anabolic steroid use may cause transient immunosuppression, leading to HSV esophagitis in immunocompetent hosts.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) esophagitis typically affects immunocompromised individuals.
- It is commonly associated with conditions like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, malignancies, and immunosuppressive therapies.
Observation:
- A case report details a young, immunocompetent male experiencing esophagitis symptoms.
- The patient was found to have a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection contributing to his condition.
- Notably, the patient reported anabolic steroid use.
Findings:
- While corticosteroids are known predisposing factors for HSV esophagitis in immunocompetent individuals, this case suggests other forms of transient immunosuppression may also play a role.
- Anabolic steroid use is suspected as a potential trigger for HSV esophagitis in an otherwise healthy host.
Implications:
- This case broadens the understanding of potential risk factors for HSV esophagitis in immunocompetent populations.
- It highlights the need to consider anabolic steroid use as a contributing factor to immunosuppression and subsequent opportunistic infections like HSV esophagitis.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the immunomodulatory effects of anabolic steroids.
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