Genital orf

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Infections

Background:

• Orf virus (OV) is a parapoxvirus that causes contagious ecthyma, primarily in sheep and goats.
• Human orf virus infection is rare and typically occurs through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials.
• Genital orf virus infection is an uncommon presentation, often misdiagnosed due to its varied clinical appearance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of genital orf virus infection in a sheep farmer.
• To highlight the importance of occupational history in diagnosing zoonotic infections.
• To discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management of genital orf virus.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case presentation of a man with extensive genital lesions.
• Physical examination and dermatological assessment.
• Laboratory investigations including skin biopsy, bacterial cultures, and viral PCR.
• Review of patient's occupational history (sheep shearing).

Main Results:

• The patient presented with erythematous, maculopapular lesions evolving into vesicles, pustules, and cellulitis in the groin and genital areas.
• Skin biopsy revealed epidermal changes consistent with viral infection, excluding other diagnoses like atypical mycobacterial infection.
• Viral PCR confirmed the presence of orf virus.
• Secondary bacterial infection was present, necessitating antibiotic treatment.

Conclusions:

• Genital orf virus infection should be considered in patients with suggestive genital lesions, especially those with occupational exposure to livestock.
• Detailed occupational and contact history is critical for accurate diagnosis.
• While orf virus infection treatment is typically conservative, secondary bacterial infections require appropriate management.