A little-known relationship between immune recovery syndrome and herpes zoster.
10.5125/jkaoms.2016.42.3.169
- Author:
Supriya BHANDAGE
1
;
Manjunath KURKI
;
Vagdevi HOSUR
;
Piyush SUKHIJA
;
Atul BAJORIA
Author Information
1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sri Hasanamba Dental College and Hospital, Hassan, India. Supriyagb11@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Herpes zoster;
HIV;
Immune recovery syndrome;
Anti-retroviral therapy
- MeSH:
Aged;
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active;
Herpes Zoster*;
HIV;
HIV Infections;
Humans;
Incidence;
Male;
Mouth;
Risk Factors;
Tooth Extraction;
Trigeminal Nerve
- From:Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
2016;42(3):169-172
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Following anti-retroviral therapy (ART) or highly active antiretroviral therapy, there is an increased response to latent infections such as herpes zoster, which may lead to their reactivation. This is a result of improved immunity brought about by ART, also termed immune recovery syndrome. A 75-year-old male patient arrived at our institute with widespread vesicles and scabs on the right half of his face and oral cavity, suggesting the involvement of the trigeminal nerve. The patient had a history of being on ART two months earlier and a history of tooth extraction eight days prior to his arrival at our institute. The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive cases amongst herpes zoster cases is high, and these patients become susceptible to infections following ART. Therefore, regardless of the presence of risk factors, every herpes zoster patient should be tested for HIV infection, and high anti-retroviral therapy should be commenced/reinstituted as soon as possible. In addition, the treating physician should maintain a high level of vigilance for the patient during the first few months of ART, the peak incidence of immune recovery inflammatory disease.
