A clinical case of erythema multiforme associated with HSV 1/2 in a child

Sophia Frych; Maryna Kys; Oksana Korbut

doi:10.32345/USMYJ.3(141).2023.155-159

Sophia Frych Student of O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Maryna Kys Student of O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Oksana Korbut Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32345/USMYJ.3(141).2023.155-159

Keywords: chickenpox, differential diagnosis, erythema multiforme, herpesvirus infection, rash.

Abstract

This research examines a clinical case of erythema multiforme in a 5-year-old child, which was triggered by HSV-1. Clinically, the child presented with a fever of 37.5–38.0°C, itching, and a papular-vesicular rash with ring-shaped hyperemia around the vesicles on the face, trunk, limbs, and edema. Instrumental and laboratory investigations did not reveal any abnormalities. The blood serum analysis detected positive Ab IgG HSV1/2 (qualitative method) with a value of 24.7 S/CO and a dubious result for Ab IgM HSV 1/2 , indicating the presence of a herpes infection. Considering the clinical, laboratory, and instrumental findings, a differential diagnosis was required to distinguish between erythema multiforme triggered by HSV-1 and chickenpox in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment and prevent complications.

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