Via practica 3–4/2013

Generalized form of herpes zoster – case report

Herpes zoster (shingles) is a relatively common infectious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus, which is reactivated in ganglia during various immunocompromised conditions and it migrates along nerve fibers into the skin with typical cutaneous manifestation. If the patient is very immunocompromised or an adequate treatment is not started early, viremia and generalisation of herpes zoster occur. The generalized form of disease, often accompanied by various secondary changes of skin lesions can make a diagnosis more difficult. An evidence of varicella-zoster virus DNA in the fluid obtained from the skin lesion is necessary for definitive diagnosis. The authors of the article present a case report of 88-years old woman, who was admitted to the Clinic of Infectology and Travel Medicine with generalized form of herpes zoster. This diagnosis has not been correctly recognised by previous ambulatory investigations. The work highlights the importance of early diagnosis of disease, which is crucial for early initiation of the virostatic therapy and to reduce the severity of symptoms and risk of complications.

Keywords: generalized form of herpes zoster, immunocompromised condition, diagnosis.