Disseminated Herpes Zoster in Elderly with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: A Case Report

Authors

  • Aurelia Stephanie Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana/Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar, Indonesia
  • IGAA Elis Indira Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana/Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar, Indonesia
  • Hermina Laksmi Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana/Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar, Indonesia
  • Nevristia Pratama Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana/Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37275/bsm.v6i11.609

Keywords:

Herpes, HIV, Immunocompromised, Varicella-zoster virus, Antibiotic

Abstract

Background: Disseminated herpes zoster (HZ) is one of the complications of HZ in the form of the appearance of the main lesion accompanied by the spread of solitary vesicles on the body. This condition occurs in 2% of the general population and 15-30% of immunodeficient patients, such as the elderly and HIV infection.

Case presentation: A 64-year-old man came with the complaint of rashes all over his body four days ago. Vesicles and erosions are multiple in 1 dermatome and are discrete and scattered throughout the body on dermatological examination. The diagnosis of disseminated HZ, in this case, was established based on history, physical examination, and Tzank examination. HZ spread is less common and is characterized by the appearance of more than 20 vesicles or more than 2 consecutive dermatomes. Old age and HIV infection are immunocompromised conditions causing reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and other infections. The patient received oral acyclovir, vitamins B1, B6, and B12, salicylic powder and topical fusidic acid, antiretrovirals (ARVs), azithromycin, intraoral cotrimoxazole, ceftriaxone, and intravenous fluconazole for 10 days. Skin lesions improved in 10 days without complications.

Conclusion: Disseminated HZ in HIV patients should be considered because of complications, recurrence, more difficult with a treat, and a higher risk of acyclovir resistance.

Authors

  • Aurelia Stephanie1*
  • IGAA Elis Indira1
  • Hermina Laksmi1
  • Nevristia Pratama1
  1. 1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana/Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar, Indonesia

Corresponding author Aurelia Stephanie — draurel2015@gmail.com

Article history

  1. Submitted
  2. Accepted
  3. Published

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Published

2022-08-22

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How to Cite

1.
Stephanie A, IGAA Elis Indira, Hermina Laksmi, Nevristia Pratama. Disseminated Herpes Zoster in Elderly with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: A Case Report. Bioscmed [Internet]. 2022 Aug. 22 [cited 2026 Aug. 15];6(11):2373-6. Available from: https://bioscmed.com/index.php/bsm/article/view/609