Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Mimicking Necrotizing Fasciitis

Letters18 October 2011Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Mimicking Necrotizing FasciitisMichael J. Vinikoor, MD, Yu-Tung Wong, MD, and David M. Margolis, MDMichael J. Vinikoor, MDFrom University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030.Search for more papers by this author, Yu-Tung Wong, MDFrom University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030.Search for more papers by this author, and David M. Margolis, MDFrom University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-155-8-201110180-00030 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening condition characterized by infection of deep layers of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fascia. It rarely involves the face. The most common causes are group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium perfringens.Objective: To report what we believe is the first published case of nasal reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) that mimics necrotizing fasciitis.Case Report: A 49-year-old man developed a tiny papule on the tip of his nose. During the next 4 days, his nose became painful and swollen. The lesion increased in size despite treatment with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. Nineteen days ...References1. Xu F, Sternberg MR, Kottiri BJ, McQuillan GM, Lee FK, Nahmias AJ, et al. Trends in herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 seroprevalence in the United States. JAMA. 2006;296:964-73. [PMID: 16926356] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. Workowski KA, Berman S; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2010. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2010;59:1-110. [PMID: 21160459] MedlineGoogle Scholar3. Zaal MJ, Völker-Dieben HJ, D'Amaro J. Prognostic value of Hutchinson's sign in acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2003;241:187-91. [PMID: 12644941] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. Grimmer JF, Zhou H, Vanderhooft SL. Necrotizing herpes simplex infection of the nose. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007;137:689-90. [PMID: 17903597] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. Powell HR, Almeyda J. An immunocompetent patient presenting with severe nasal herpes simplex: a case report. Cases J. 2009;2:9079. [PMID: 20062716] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: From University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030.Disclosures: None disclosed. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited BySchwere bakterielle Weichgewebeinfektionen im Kopf- und HalsbereichOdontogenic necrotizing fasciitis: a systematic review of the literature 18 October 2011Volume 155, Issue 8Page: 567-568KeywordsAntibodiesHerpes simplexLesionsNecrosisPediatric infectionsSexually transmitted diseasesStreptococcal infectionsStreptococcusUlcersVesicles ePublished: 18 October 2011 Issue Published: 18 October 2011 CopyrightCopyright © 2011 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...