Infecciones virales en piel y mucosas / Cutaneous viral diseases

Diversos virus pueden infectar la piel y las mucosas de los seres humanos, manifestándose en diferentes patologías, de acuerdo a la edad, género y estado inmunológico. Un grupo importante de éstos tiene capacidad de replicar en células epiteliales, originando cuadros clínicos en los cuales se evidencia la destrucción celular o bien la hiperplasia del tejido infectado. Gran parte de estos virus persisten en células infectadas por años y tienen la capacidad de reactivarse y de manifestar nuevamente enfermedades cutáneas o mucosas. En algunos casos, ésta sólo se expresa de manera subclínica en una excreción del virus por secreciones que son fuente de infección. En los últimos años, los avances en técnicas moleculares han permitido contar con metodologías diagnósticas cada vez más sensibles, específicas y rápidas. Así como también el progreso en el área de vacunas y antivirales nos entrega mayores herramientas profilácticas y terapéuticas.

Various viruses can infect the skin and the mucous membranes of human beings, manifesting itself in different diseases, according to age, gender and immune status. An important group has the ability to replicate in epithelial cells, causing clinical manifestations which evidenced the cell destruction either infected tissue hyperplasia. Much of these viruses persist in cells infected by years and have the ability to reactivate and again express cutaneous or mucosal diseases. In some cases, it is only asymptomatically shred in secretions that are a source of infection. In recent years, advances in molecular techniques have allowed to have increasingly sensitive, specific and rapid diagnostic methodologies. As well as, the progress in the area of vaccines and antivirals also gives us greater prophylactic and therapeutic tools.

Orf: report of eleven cases in five Iranian families

Parapox virus is the causative agent of Orf disease which is basically seen in sheep and goats. It can be transferred to the human by direct contact with infected animals or indirect contact to infected meat or contaminated butchery instruments like knife. The skin lesions are usually found in fingers. Totally, 11 subjects from five families infected with Orf disease were surveyed. The diagnosis was verified on clinical manifestations and pathological changes. Local antiseptic [betadin] and tetraeycline ointment were administered for all patients, however, 3 cases were treated with oral antibiotic. No disseminated signs or complications have been reported and patients cured in the third [6 cases] or forth week [5 cases]. Little scars were noted in 3 cases alter one month follow up. If there is a similar lesion in the members of a family, one should notice the background of epidemiological and clinical manifestations. Despite the rarity of Orf disease, its spread still exists in urban families, therefore, it is essential to wear gloves at the time of touching meat to prevent infection