Varicella: pediatric genital/rectal vesicular lesions of unclear origin

H K Simon; D W Steele

doi:10.1016/s0196-0644(95)70365-9

Varicella: pediatric genital/rectal vesicular lesions of unclear origin

Ann Emerg Med. 1995 Jan;25(1):111-4. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(95)70365-9.

Authors

H K Simon¹, D W Steele

Affiliation

¹ Department of Pediatrics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.

PMID: 7802360
DOI: 10.1016/s0196-0644(95)70365-9

Abstract

Three children who presented with localized vesicular rash in the diaper area were found to have primary varicella-zoster infections. Primary varicella can closely mimic genital herpes simplex virus (HSV 1 or 2), which may be an indicator of sexual abuse. To avoid unfounded investigation for sexual abuse, primary varicella-zoster infection must be included in the differential diagnosis. Direct fluorescent antibody testing is a sensitive and specific diagnostic test that can be used to distinguish HSV 1 or 2 from varicella-zoster.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Chickenpox / diagnosis*
Child Abuse, Sexual / diagnosis*
Child, Preschool
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Genital Diseases, Female / virology
Herpes Genitalis / diagnosis*
Herpesvirus 3, Human* / isolation & purification
Humans
Infant
Rectal Diseases / virology
Skin Diseases, Viral / diagnosis*