2023-11-04 16:13:05
Rare Case of Spreading Shingles Discovered by Thai Doctor
Dr. Manoon Leechawengwong, a renowned physician specializing in respiratory system diseases at Vichaiyut Hospital, recently came across a rare case of spreading shingles in a patient. Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. However, the spreading type of shingles, also known as disseminated herpes zoster, is extremely uncommon in healthy individuals.
The patient, a 50-year-old female who had previously been healthy, began experiencing symptoms on October 15, 2023. These symptoms included a fever, severe headache, body aches, and mouth sores, which persisted for three days. Subsequently, water blisters and pustules appeared on her skin, mainly on the earlobes, forehead, chest, neck, back, and thighs. The patient did not have a history of close contact with individuals infected with smallpox. After seeking treatment at a local hospital and receiving intravenous acyclovir for two days, she was transferred to Vichaiyut Hospital for further treatment.
Tests conducted on the patient revealed slight anemia and slightly elevated liver enzyme values. However, PCR genetic code testing on fluid taken from the pustules did not detect the smallpox virus or the varicella-zoster virus. Similarly, PCR testing on the blood and cerebrospinal fluid did not find any presence of the varicella-zoster or herpes simplex viruses. However, based on these findings, it is likely that the patient was infected with the varicella-zoster virus, which caused the invasive shingles and meningitis. It is worth noting that the lack of virus detection in the tests may be due to the acyclovir treatment received prior to arriving at Vichaiyut Hospital.
Fortunately, after receiving acyclovir intravenously, the patient’s condition improved significantly. The fever subsided, the headache alleviated, and the mouth sores began to heal. The pustules eventually dried up, and if scabs develop, the patient will continue to receive acyclovir intravenously for a total of 14 days.
In light of this rare case, it is essential to highlight the importance of vaccination. Thailand currently offers a highly effective vaccine that can prevent all forms of shingles. As such, individuals are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals and consider getting vaccinated to protect themselves from this potentially debilitating condition.
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