Concurrent varicella and herpes simplex virus reactivation in the same trigeminal dermatome in a person living with HIV

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (12) ◽  
pp. 1145-1148
Author(s):  
Daniel Josef Lindegger ◽  
Daniele Claudio Rossi ◽  
Yan Guex-Crosier
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Simplex Virus ◽  
Herpes Simplex ◽  
Immunocompromised Patient ◽  
Rare Event ◽  
Anatomical Location ◽  
Virus Reactivation ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
Living With Hiv

We report a case of a concurrent reactivation of varicella zoster virus and herpes simplex virus in an immunocompromised patient unaware of her longstanding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Despite being a rare event, concurrent reactivation of the two alphaherpesvirinae has been reported in various conditions, either in immunocompetent or immunocompromised patients. However, a reactivation in the same anatomical location in a person living with HIV seems to be an extremely rare event.

scholarly journals Multi-organ involvement secondary to varicella zoster virus, herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus in an immunocompromised patient

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. e228150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ripal Jariwala ◽  
Kristen Zeitler ◽  
Nicole D Riddle ◽  
Chakrapol Sriaroon
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Simplex Virus ◽  
Herpes Simplex ◽  
Varicella Zoster Virus ◽  
Immunocompromised Patient ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Viral Reactivation ◽  
Organ Involvement ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Simplex Virus

The use of immunosuppressing agents can act as a catalyst for viral reactivation, promoting systemic infection with organ involvement. Current literature remains sparse on this topic but does provide individual case reports involving single viruses. We present the case of an immunocompromised patient with skin lesions, pancreatitis, colitis and hepatitis. Work-up revealed varicella zoster virus, which likely put the patient at risk for multi-organ involvement, as well as clinical suspicion of other implicated viruses, specifically herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus. A high clinical index of suspicion along with biopsy guidance for viral involvement in immunocompromised patients is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

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