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Cowpox infection of the nose
W C Lee1, G Manjaly, D W Skinner
1Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, Shrewsbury, UK.
Abstract:
A case of cowpox infection presenting as a necrotising cellulitis of the nasal tip and vestibule is reported. Diagnosis was established by identification of the pox virus particles from tissue culture of the nasal biopsy using electronic microscopy and the characteristic lesions on chorio-allantoic membrane produced by the virus. Cowpox of the external nose and transmission of the infection from a dog have not to our knowledge been reported previously.
Insights
A rare case of cowpox virus infection caused necrotizing cellulitis of a patient's nose. Diagnosis involved electron microscopy and chorio-allantoic membrane lesions, confirming a novel presentation and dog-to-human transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Cowpox virus (CPXV) is a zoonotic pathogen.
- CPXV infections typically manifest as skin lesions.
Observation:
- A patient presented with necrotizing cellulitis affecting the nasal tip and vestibule.
- The clinical presentation mimicked other severe facial infections.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed by identifying poxvirus particles via electron microscopy of nasal biopsy tissue.
- Characteristic lesions on the chorio-allantoic membrane of embryonated eggs further supported the diagnosis.
- The identified strain was consistent with CPXV.
Implications:
- This case represents the first reported instance of cowpox infection involving the external nose.
- The findings suggest a potential route of transmission from domestic animals, specifically dogs, to humans.
- Highlights the importance of considering zoonotic viral infections in atypical facial cellulitis cases.