Simian Varicella Virus Pathogenesis in Skin during Varicella and Zoster

Primary simian varicella virus (SVV) infection and reactivation in nonhuman primates is a valuable animal model in the study of varicella zoster virus disease [varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles)]. To understand SVV pathogenesis in skin, we inoculated 10 rhesus macaques with SVV, resulting in varicella rash. After the establishment of latency, eight of the monkeys were immunosuppressed using tacrolimus with or without irradiation and prednisone and two monkeys were not immunosuppressed. Zoster rash developed in all immunosuppressed monkeys and in one non-immunosuppressed monkey. Five monkeys had recurrent zoster. During varicella and zoster, SVV DNA in skin scrapings ranged from 50 to 10⁷ copies/100 ng of total DNA and 2–127 copies/100 ng of total DNA, respectively. Detection of SVV DNA in blood during varicella was more frequent and abundant compared to that of zoster. During varicella and zoster, SVV antigens colocalized with neurons expressing β-III tubulin in epidermis, hair follicles, and sweat glands, suggesting axonal transport of the virus. Together, we have demonstrated that both SVV DNA and antigens can be detected in skin lesions during varicella and zoster, providing the basis for further studies on SVV skin pathogenesis, including immune responses and mechanisms of peripheral spread.     

杭州市一株单纯疱疹2型病毒株的分离鉴定

目的 建立一种能够对样本中的单纯疱疹病毒(Hsv)进行准确鉴定分型的方法,并从生殖器疱疹(GH)患者皮损的水疱液中分离出1株HSV-2.方法 从1例GH患者病变部位采集样本,样本接种Vero-E6细胞,待出现细胞病变后收获病毒感染物,提取病毒感染物的基因组.根据特异性PCR对分离出的病毒进行分型鉴定.结果 分离的毒株引起Vero-E6典型细胞病变,病变细胞圆缩、融合.型特异性PCR反应及l%琼脂糖凝胶电泳鉴定结果表明,扩增出的片段大小约为183 bp,与预期的HSV-2型特异性片段长度相符,且与数据库的比对结果显示相似性为100%.结论 通过细胞分离培养和特异性PCR分型鉴定,能够实现对样本中的HSV的准确分型鉴定.     

Gingival recessions caused by Herpes Simplex Virus in a patient with COVID‐19 infection

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV‐1) is a very common infection often localized in the mucocutaneous junction of the lip. Rarely, it could be detected also in periodontal tissues, associated with an elevated risk of periodontal disease progression and gingival recessions. Recently, HSV‐1 and numerous co‐infections have been reported in literature associated with the Coronavirus and subsequent COVID‐19 disease. This report illustrates a case of HSV‐1 in a patient with Covid‐19 infection, showing the presence of ulcers and vesicles on the gingival margin of maxillary teeth associated with soreness and pain. The histology highlighted the presence of intraepithelial cell ballooning, confirming the diagnosis of HSV‐1 infection.     

更昔洛韦与阿昔洛韦治疗带状疱疹的疗效对比观察

目的 评价更昔洛韦治疗带状疱疹的疗效和安全性。方法 将80例带状疱疹患者随机分为更昔洛韦治疗组和阿昔洛韦对照组,治疗组每日静滴更昔洛韦200mg,对照组每日静滴阿昔洛韦750mg,共7天。用药前和用药后定期观察、记录,计算疗效指数,并记录不良反应。结果 治疗组痊愈率明显优于对照组,在促进结痂、减轻疼痛、完全止痛等方面均明显优于对照组,未发现明显副作用。结论 更昔洛韦是治疗带状疱疹的一种有效、安全的药物。     

火针治疗皮肤病验案

火针疗法近年来在皮肤科疾病应用上多有进展。由于其兼有针刺与灸法的特点,结合了温阳气、通经络的功效,能够调节脏腑功能,进而改善甚至治愈各类皮肤疾病。近年来在治疗疣赘、结节性痒疹、带状疱疹及其后遗神经痛、囊肿性痤疮均采用了火针疗法,取得了较好疗效,作者在文中详细介绍运用火针治疗皮肤病的操作手法及心得体会。     

穴位注射夹脊穴加电针治疗急性期带状疱疹疗效观察

目的比较穴位注射夹脊穴加电针与单纯用电针治疗急性期带状疱疹的疗效。方法 100例患者随机分为两组。治疗组予穴位注射加电针治疗,对照组采用单纯电针治疗。结果治疗组综合疗效优于对照组,其止痛、止疱、结痂及减少后遗症方面的效果亦优于对照组。结论穴位注射夹脊穴加电针治疗急性期带状疱疹疗效优于单纯电针治疗。     

Herpes simplex induced necrotizing tonsillitis in an immunocompromised patient with ulcerative colitis

We here present the case of a 22-year-old female of Suriname ethnicity with ulcerative colitis who received treatment with mercaptopurine and infliximab. She presented herself with a severe necrotizing tonsillitis due to herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1). Combination therapy consisting of immunomodulators and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents is increasingly being used. Anti-TNF therapy is associated with an increased risk of developing serious infections, and especially patients receiving combination treatment with thiopurines are at an increased risk. We here show that HSV infections can cause a severe tonsillitis in immunocompromised patients. Early recognition is essential when there is no improvement with initial antibiotic therapy within the first 24 to 72 h. HSV infections should be in the differential diagnosis of immunocompromised patients presenting with a necrotizing tonsillitis and can be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Early treatment with antiviral agents should be considered especially if antibiotic treatment fails in such patients.     

Status of vaccine research and development of vaccines for herpes simplex virus

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and -2 (HSV-2) are highly prevalent global pathogens which commonly cause recurrent oral and genital ulcerations. Less common but more serious complications include meningitis, encephalitis, neonatal infection, and keratitis. HSV-2 infection is a significant driver of the HIV epidemic, increasing the risk of HIV acquisition 3 fold. As current control strategies for genital HSV-2 infection, including antiviral therapy and condom use, are only partially effective, vaccines will be required to reduce infection. Both preventive and therapeutic vaccines for HSV-2 are being pursued and are in various stages of development. We will provide an overview of efforts to develop HSV-2 vaccines, including a discussion of the clinical need for an HSV vaccine, and status of research and development with an emphasis on recent insights from trials of vaccine candidates in clinical testing. In addition, we will touch upon aspects of HSV vaccine development relevant to low and middle income countries.