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Although central nervous system infection following varicella zoster virus infection is relatively common, subsequent peripheral nervous system infection is comparatively rare. The present case documents a case of meningitis after varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection, which was then followed by peripheral facial palsy. Specifically, a 54-year-old female patient was first admitted to Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital (Dongying, China) with headache and fever. Physical examination revealed herpes that formed along the intercostal nerve in the left forebreast, armpit and back. Subsequently, neurological examination found cervical resistance in more than three fingers (neck resistance of less than two transverse fingers is not evidence of meningeal irritation; the neck resistance of this patient was approximately three transverse fingers, so the patient was presumed to be positive for meningeal irritation, highly suggestive of meningitis) and Kernig sign was positive. There were no significant abnormalities according to brain MRI and lumbar puncture pressure was 330 mmH2O. In addition, the leukocyte count was 734x106/l, 50% monocyte count, 50% multinucleated cells, chloride levels of 109.1 mmol/l, protein levels of 235 mg/dl and glucose levels of 4.18 mmol/l in the cerebrospinal fluid. DNA and RNA metagenomic detection of pathogenic microorganisms in the cerebrospinal fluid revealed the presence of VZV. The patient was therefore treated with acyclovir, ceftriaxone, mannitol and methylprednisolone, but then developed right peripheral facial palsy at 10 days after treatment. This complication was not found in the literature, and the occurrence of facial neuritis was unexpected. The active period of VZV virus was 21 days, and the patient had herpes 5 days before admission. The active period of the virus was considered to have subsided and the patient was in the recovery period. Moreover, the results of lumbar puncture showed that the white blood cells, the proportion of neutrophils and the protein in cerebrospinal fluid were all decreasing, which also indicated that the patient had entered the recovery period. The patient was discharged 18 days after admission. In conclusion, observations from the present case suggested that the clinical manifestations of VZV infection can be complex and varied, requiring the clinician to have an accurate understanding of its disease progression and treatment.
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Meningoencephalitis caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a serious condition requiring prompt antiviral treatments, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are often normal, limiting early diagnostic utility. We report a case of severe VZV-associated meningoencephalitis characterized by diffuse T2 hyperintense lesions covering the brain surface on MRI, presumed to be vasogenic edema. An immunocompetent 78-year-old Japanese woman presented with a disturbance of consciousness preceded by seven days of headache. On admission, she was in a semi-coma with intermittent convulsive seizures and had a localized skin rash with blisters on her back. Brain MRI showed diffuse T2 hyperintensity on the brain surface with an elevated apparent diffusion coefficient and the marked gadolinium-contrast enhancement of the pia-arachnoid membrane and vessel walls. Polymerase chain reaction using cerebrospinal fluid revealed the presence of VZV, and then she was diagnosed with VZV-associated meningoencephalitis. Treatment with acyclovir and corticosteroids was initiated, leading to some clinical improvement; however, the patient developed acute non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia and died on the 10th day of hospitalization. The characteristic MRI findings observed in our patient may be useful in considering the pathogenesis and early diagnosis of this rare entity.
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Peripheral facial palsy, characterized by sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, can arise from various etiologies, including viral infections. While Ramsay Hunt syndrome is well-established in clinical practice, Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) infection leading to facial nerve palsy in pediatric patients remains relatively uncommon.This comprehensive case report documents the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and outcomes of a 10-year-old boy who developed left peripheral facial palsy following a primary Varicella infection. The report underscores the importance of timely recognition and tailored management approaches in achieving a complete remission of symptoms in pediatric patients.
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Purpose: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can cause a wide range of neurological complications, including meningoencephalitis, upon reactivation. The objective of this report is to alert physicians of the possibility of VZV recurrence with meningoencephalitis occurring during hospitalization in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Material and methods: Clinical observation of one patient. Case report: A 65 years old man was admitted to the ICU for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although the initial treatment plan proved successful, the patient experienced numerous, mainly septic, complications. After stabilization, neurological impairment was observed with spontaneous eye opening without contact and no motor response, apart from sedation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PCR assay was positive for VZV. Intravenous acyclovir was administered for 14 days. Neurological status gradually improved with the patient showing eye and mouth opening on request as well as recovery of basic speech with one-word responses. Quantitative PCR assays showed significant decrease of VZV. EEG improved after treatment to show clear reactivity, but the abnormalities at baseline were non-specific of VZV meningoencephalitis. No new focal lesion was identified on MRI that could be linked to VZV meningoencephalitis. The patient recovered from VZV meningoencephalitis, but he finally died 44 days later, following cardiac arrest, with no reactivation of VZV infection. Conclusion: VZV meningoencephalitis may occur during hospitalization, especially during prolonged ICU stay which may be due to reactivation associated with sepsis-induced immunosuppression. It might be underestimated as MRI and EEG seem poorly contributive to the diagnosis, so CSF PCR analysis is the cornerstone exploration.
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Purpose: Heterologous immunization using different vaccine platforms has been demonstrated as an efficient strategy to enhance antigen-specific immune responses. In this study, we performed a head-to-head comparison of both humoral and cellular immune response induced by different prime-boost immunization regimens of mRNA vaccine and adjuvanted protein subunit vaccine against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in middle-aged mice, aiming to get a better understanding of the influence of vaccination schedule on immune response. Methods: VZV glycoprotein (gE) mRNA was synthesized and encapsulated into SM-102-based lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). VZV-primed middle-aged C57BL/6 mice were then subjected to homologous and heterologous prime-boost immunization strategies using VZV gE mRNA vaccine (RNA-gE) and protein subunit vaccine (PS-gE). The antigen-specific antibodies were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. Additionally, cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was detected using ELISPOT assay and flow cytometry. Besides, in vivo safety profiles were also evaluated and compared. Results: The mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles had a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 130 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.156. Total IgG antibody levels exhibited no significant differences among different immunization strategies. However, mice received 2×RNA-gE or RNA-gE>PS-gE showed a lower IgG1/IgG2c ratio than those received 2×PS-gE and PS-gE> RNA-gE. The CMI response induced by 2×RNA-gE or RNA-gE>PS-gE was significantly stronger than that induced by 2×PS-gE and PS-gE> RNA-gE. The safety evaluation indicated that both mRNA vaccine and protein vaccine induced a transient body weight loss in mice. Furthermore, the protein vaccine produced a notable inflammatory response at the injection sites, while the mRNA vaccine showed no observable inflammation. Conclusion: The heterologous prime-boost strategy has demonstrated that an mRNA-primed immunization regimen can induce a better cell-mediated immune response than a protein subunit-primed regimen in middle-aged mice. These findings provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of VZV vaccines with the potentials to broaden varicella vaccination strategies in the future.
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Adjuvants immunologiques , Immunité cellulaire , Souris de lignée C57BL , Nanoparticules , Vaccins sous-unitaires , Animaux , Vaccins sous-unitaires/immunologie , Vaccins sous-unitaires/administration et posologie , Nanoparticules/composition chimique , Adjuvants immunologiques/administration et posologie , Femelle , Vaccins à ARNm , Souris , Herpèsvirus humain de type 3/immunologie , Anticorps antiviraux/sang , Rappel de vaccin/méthodes , Protéines de l'enveloppe virale/immunologie , Protéines de l'enveloppe virale/administration et posologie , Vaccin contre le zona/immunologie , Vaccin contre le zona/administration et posologie , LiposomesRÉSUMÉ
Background. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a human neurotropic virus which commonly causes infection during childhood, presenting as chickenpox. Later in life it may reactivate as herpes zoster. We report a rare manifestation of reactivation of VZV infection presenting as cutaneous vasculitis and varicella pneumonia in a lung transplant recipient. Case presentation. A 65-year-old man was lung transplanted bilaterally for emphysema and had repeated posttransplant chest infections and colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nine months post-transplant he presented with dyspnoea and a cutaneous vasculitis-like eruption with a predilection over face, thorax and distal extremities. Initially, VZV reactivation was not suspected due to absence of the typical vesicular eruptions. The diagnosis was confirmed by VZV PCR from the swabs of the ulcer after skin punch biopsy of a lesion and from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The histology of skin biopsy demonstrated epithelial damage and vascular damage but no typical epithelial virus associated changes. The patient responded to antiviral therapy with total remission of rash and VZV DNA was finally not detectable from repeated BAL after 29 days of therapy. However, the pulmonary radiological features and dyspnoea persisted due to reasons possibly unrelated to the VZV infection. Conclusion. Had it not been for the patient to mention the resemblance of the vasculitic rash with his primary VZV infection, the diagnosis would easily have been overlooked. In this case, the biopsy did not show typical histopathologic findings of VZV-vasculitis. What led the diagnosis was a PCR from the wound swab taken after the punch biopsy. This case serves as a reminder for atypical presentation of common conditions in immunosuppressed patients and that extensive diagnostic sampling may be warranted in this group.
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The bloomy rind sign, characterized by band-like abnormalities along the surface of the brainstem on magnetic resonance imaging without contrast enhancement, has been considered a specific imaging marker for leptomeningeal metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma. In this study, we describe the case of an 85-year-old male with a 3-week history of headache, fever, and progressive cognitive impairment. The patient was diagnosed with varicella-zoster virus brainstem meningoencephalitis and magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintensities along the brainstem surface on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging that mimicked a bloomy rind sign. However, the patient showed no signs of lung cancer or meningeal carcinomatosis. This case suggests that the bloomy rind sign is not exclusive to leptomeningeal metastasis but can also be observed in other conditions, such as central nervous system infections.
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OBJECTIVES: An effective vaccine for chicken pox has been included in immunisation schedules since the 1990s. In the UK the recommendation for routine inclusion came in November 2023; it has not yet been implemented. We explored paediatricians' attitudes towards the vaccine and their personal and professional use; as this has been shown to be an influential factor in parents' vaccine decision making. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey using a structured questionnaire exploring attitudes and knowledge towards the chicken pox vaccine of UK based paediatricians between June and September 2023. RESULTS: We received 272 responses, 211 female (78%), 228 based in England (85%) with remainder in Wales (23), Scotland (8) and Northern Ireland (9); 150 (56%) reporting practicing paediatrics <10 years. The majority (n = 207; 78%) agreed that the chicken pox vaccine should be included in the UK routine schedule. Half the cohort, 52% (n = 135), reported having their own children vaccinated against chicken pox, 73% of those with appropriately aged children. Most, 86% (n = 225), recommended the vaccine to family and friends routinely or when asked; however, 42% (n = 108) did not feel able to advise patients' parents due to insufficient information. Of those who do not recommend the vaccine to family and friends, 22 (59%) reported insufficient information to discuss in a professional setting. Of those who did not think it should be included, or were unsure, 38/55 (69%) also felt they had insufficient information to advise parents regarding the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst many paediatricians choose to vaccinate their children and agreed the chicken pox vaccine should be added to the routine schedule, the proportion disagreeing is not insignificant. Targeted education to improve paediatricians' knowledge of the chicken pox vaccine and their confidence discussing it should be implemented prior to the national roll out.
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BACKGROUND: Unlike adults, children experienced stronger and longer vector replication in plasma and shedding in saliva following rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP vaccination. The resulting risks of immunosuppression or immune hyperactivation leading to increased Adverse Events (AEs) and altered antibody responses are concerns that have been addressed in the present manuscript. METHODS: Children aged 1-12 years living in Gabon received either rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP (ERVEBO®) vaccine or the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine (VZV). The concentration of rVSVΔG vector in blood and saliva, the occurrence of AEs up to day 28; the anti-rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP and anti-VZV IgG antibody titres, neutralising and avidity functions of anti-rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP by day 365; were assessed in serum. (PACTR202005733552021) FINDINGS: In the rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP group, 70% and 7% of children had > 0 copies/ml of rVSVΔG respectively in plasma by day 3 and in saliva by day 14 after vaccination, with no detection on day 28. Significantly higher but transient AEs occurred in the rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP group. Both vaccines induced seroconversion on day 28 and sustainable IgG antibody titres by day 365. Avidity and neutralisation functions of the anti-rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP antibodies peaked at day 28 and were maintained by day 365. INTERPRETATION: The replication and shedding do not affect the favourable risk-benefit balance of the rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP in children. FUNDING: This trial is funded by the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 (IMI 2) Joint Undertaking (grant number: 116068). The Biomedicine and Social Sciences research team of CERMEL is funded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP-TMA-SF-1946-VARSAF).
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BACKGROUND: Facial herpes is a common form of the herpes simplex virus-1 infection and usually presents as vesicles near the mouth, nose, and periocular sites. In contrast, we observed a new facial symptom of herpes on the entire face without vesicles. CASE SUMMARY: A 33-year-old woman with a history of varicella infection and shingles since an early age presented with sarcoidosis of the entire face and neuralgia without oral lesions. The patient was prescribed antiviral treatment with valacyclovir and acyclovir cream. One day after drug administration, facial skin lesions and neurological pain improved. Herpes simplex without oral blisters can easily be misdiagnosed as pimples upon visual examination in an outpatient clinic. CONCLUSION: As acute herpes simplex is accompanied by neuralgia, prompt diagnosis and prescription are necessary, considering the pathological history and health conditions.
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All orbital tissues, including extra-ocular muscles, can be affected by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). However, only a minority of all individuals with herpes zoster infections present with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. The present study reports the case of a middle-aged male patient presenting with an acute intractable right-sided headache. His neurological examination yielded normal results. The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid by biochemistry and cultural analysis yielded normal results; however, the analysis of this fluid using polymerase chain reaction yielded a positive result for VZV. Thus, treatment with acyclovir was commenced. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a bilateral intraorbital intraconal enhancement consistent with myositis. His symptoms evolved into a shock-like pain over the scalp associated with painful ocular movements. On the 2nd day of admission, he developed new vesicular lesions found on the right-side cranial nerve V1 dermatome. By the 6th day of admission, he was asymptomatic, and his physical examination revealed the resolution of the dermatologic manifestations of the VZV. The patient was stable for outpatient follow-up with ophthalmology and was discharged on an oral valacyclovir course for 7 days. To the authors' knowledge, there are four cases reported in the literature of herpes zoster ophthalmicus with orbital myositis prior to the appearance of vesicular lesions. Thus, it is suggested that VZV serology be investigated before a final diagnosis of idiopathic orbital myositis is made.
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To investigate epidemiology of and risk factors for laboratory-confirmed mpox during the 2022 outbreak in Nigeria, we enrolled 265 persons with suspected mpox. A total of 163 (61.5%) were confirmed to have mpox; 137 (84.0%) were adults, 112 (68.7%) male, 143 (87.7%) urban/semi-urban dwellers, 12 (7.4%) self-reported gay men, and 3 (1.8%) female sex workers. Significant risk factors for adults were sexual and nonsexual contact with persons who had mpox, as well as risky sexual behavior. For children, risk factors were close contact with an mpox-positive person and prior animal exposure. Odds of being mpox positive were higher for adults with HIV and lower for those co-infected with varicella zoster virus (VZV). No children were HIV-seropositive; odds of being mpox positive were higher for children with VZV infection. Our findings indicate mpox affects primarily adults in Nigeria, partially driven by sexual activity; childhood cases were driven by close contact, animal exposure, and VZV co-infection.
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BACKGROUND: Varicella is a very common childhood infectious disease. It is generally benign, but it can lead to fatal complications. Our study aimed to describe the clinical and therapeutic profile of varicella based on consultations in the pediatric emergency department, to determine the incidence of hospitalized varicella cases in the pediatric department for complementary management, and to specify the incidence of varicella complications in hospitalized patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive cohort study over 12 months. It took place in the pediatrics and pediatric emergency departments of the Mother-Child Hospital of the Mohammed VI University Hospital, Mohammed I University, in Oujda, Morocco. RESULTS: We collected 120 cases of varicella. The mean age of patients was 4.5 years. The most common age range was 4-6 years (69%). Males predominated. The reason for consulting the pediatric emergency department was a febrile rash in 65% of cases. Treatment in pediatric emergencies was mostly symptomatic. Antibiotic treatment for superinfection of lesions was used in 11% of cases. The number of hospitalizations due to complicated and/or severe varicella was 17 cases. The median age was 6.3 years. Most of the children (82%) were immunodeficient and 18% were immunocompetent. Sixteen patients had underlying risk factors. Infectious skin and soft tissue complications were noted in most hospitalized patients (47%). They were mainly presented by cutaneous reinfections with alteration of general health (41%). Neurological complications ranked second (23%). The majority were febrile convulsions (17%). One case of bronchopulmonary complication was noted. No hematological, digestive, renal, or cardiac complications were noted. Intravenous antiviral treatment was used in 88% of hospitalized cases. The drug of choice was acyclovir. Antibiotic therapy was used in 53% of cases. No patient received corticosteroid therapy. The median length of hospitalization for our patients was 14 days. The evolution was favorable in 100% of cases. CONCLUSION: Varicella remains a benign disease in children, rarely leading to hospitalization. However, complications may develop in cases of comorbidity or children with risk factors. The introduction of the varicella vaccine into the national immunization program could considerably reduce the number of children hospitalized in the near future.
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BACKGROUND: We present a case of a 29-year-old male patient without immunodeficiency who suffered from rapid osteonecrosis and tooth exfoliation resulting from herpes zoster (HZ) infection in the left maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve. Various complications associated with shingles infections have been reported, cases of osteonecrosis and tooth exfoliation due to HZ infection among young people without immunodeficiency are rare. In this case, we focus on the particular manifestation of HZ infection. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient presented with clusters of erythema and papules, along with non-hemorrhagic blisters on the left face and the loss of the left upper incisor. All lesions were localized to the left side of the face without exceeding the midline. After receiving antibacterial and antiviral treatment, successful control over the infection was achieved; however, he experienced the loss of all upper teeth on the left side except for the first and second upper left molars. CONCLUSION: This case highlights that rapid osteonecrosis and tooth exfoliation may occur among young individuals without immunodeficiency after HZ infection. HZ infection of the face should be taken very seriously to obtain prompt treatment to prevent the rare complications of bone necrosis and tooth loss as much as possible.
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Zona , Ostéonécrose , Chute dentaire , Humains , Mâle , Adulte , Ostéonécrose/étiologie , Zona/complications , Maladies du maxillaire supérieur , Antiviraux/usage thérapeutique , Antibactériens/usage thérapeutique , Peuples d'Asie de l'EstRÉSUMÉ
Neonatal varicella, arising from maternal infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a rare but potentially severe condition with diverse clinical presentations. This case report highlights an instance where the mother developed a maculopapular rash seven days before delivery, indicating a possible transmission of VZV to the neonate. The patient's family history included recent diagnoses of herpes zoster and varicella among household members. On the second day of life, the newborn developed a discrete vesicular rash on an erythematous background, affecting the trunk and neck. Due to the unavailability of varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was administered along with a seven-day course of intravenous acyclovir. Despite the absence of VZIG, the combined treatment with IVIG and acyclovir proved effective in resolving the rash by the sixth day of life, without any ensuing complications. This case underscores the challenges of managing neonatal varicella in resource-limited settings and suggests that combination therapy may not prevent the occurrence of neonatal varicella but can mitigate serious complications and expedite clinical recovery.
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Introduction: Herpes Zoster in humans is the result of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection. Injecting rats with varicella zoster virus produces pain similar to herpes zoster "shingles" pain in humans. . In a previous study, orofacial pain was induced by injecting the whisker pad of male rats with VZV and the pain response increased after attenuating neurexin 3 (Nrxn3) expression in the central amygdala. Neurons descend from the central amygdala to the lateral parabrachial nucleus and orofacial pain signals ascend to the lateral parabrachial nucleus. GABAergic neurons within the central amygdala regulate pain by inhibiting activity within the lateral parabrachial nucleus. Attenuating Nrxn3 expression in the central amygdala increased GABA release in the lateral parabrachial nucleus suggesting Nrxn3 controls pain by regulating GABA release. Nrxn3 can also control synaptic connections between neurons, and we hypothesized that Nrxn3 knockdown in the central amygdala would reduce the number of GABAergic synaptic connections in the lateral parabrachial nucleus and increase VZV associated pain. Methods: To test this idea, the number of synaptic connections between GABAergic cells of the central amygdala and excitatory or dynorphin positive neurons within the lateral parabrachial nucleus were quantitated after infusion of a virus expressing synaptophysin. Synaptophysin is a synaptic vesicle protein that labels neuronal synaptic connections. These connections were measured in rats with and without whisker pad injection of VZV and knockdown of Nrxn3 within the central amygdala. Orofacial pain was measured using a place escape avoidance paradigm. Results: GABAergic synaptic connections were reduced in the lateral parabrachial nucleus after Nrxn3 knockdown. Rats with a reduction in the number of connections had an increase in VZV associated orofacial pain. Immunostaining with the pain marker prodynorphin indicated that the reduction in GABAergic connections was primarily associated with prodynorphin positive neurons. Discussion: The results suggest Nrxn3 reduces VZV associated orofacial pain, in part, by enhancing synaptic connections between GABA cells of the central amygdala and pain neurons within the lateral parabrachial nucleus.
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The varicella-zoster virus reactivates to cause the "herpes zoster" (HZ). ''Varicella-zoster virus'' (VZV) termed as ''HHV-3'' or ''human herpesvirus-3'' infection causes herpes zoster. Varicella, the primary form of the virus, is chickenpox, and the secondary form of the virus is herpes zoster also called shingles. During prior chicken pox episodes, this virus enters the body through cutaneous nerve endings and becomes dormant in the dorsal root ganglia. It sometimes affects the orofacial region and appears as unilaterally distributed burning pain, multiple, painful vesicular lesions, and ulcerations. Immunocompromised people are more likely to have disseminated zoster, which is defined as the involvement of three or more dermatomes. These are most likely to occur in elderly, immunocompromised patients, patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy, patients on immunosuppressants, and patients suffering from AIDS. This is a study of a male geriatric patient, aged 74 years, who reported unilateral pain, swelling, as well as multiple ulcerations on the left side of his face, extraorally as well as intraorally. The case was diagnosed as a herpes zoster infection involving V1 and V2 dermatome of the trigeminal nerve.
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Herpes zoster (HZ) infection is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and has very rarely been reported at the site of a superficial fungal infection. Also, HZ occurring at the site of a deep fungal infection has not been reported in the literature. We discuss a unique case of a 45-year-old male patient presenting with a Majocchi granuloma (MG) superinfected with disseminated HZ.