Herpes Vegetans in a Patient With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the Setting of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome

Authors

Angelique Ruml
Ibeth Caceres
Anna Catinis
Theodore Rosen

Publication Date

8-1-2024

Journal

Cureus

DOI

10.7759/cureus.67219

PMID

39295724

PMCID

PMC11410425

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

8-19-2024

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, iris, aids, hypertrophic herpes simplex, herpes vegetans, case report

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections classically present as a vesicular eruption on an erythematous base; however, viral infections may present much differently in the setting of immune deficiency. Herpes vegetans is an atypical presentation of HSV that occurs in immunocompromised patients, typically those with human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Herpes vegetans is characterized by hyperkeratotic, exophytic, and, sometimes, ulcerated nodules, often with a chronic and persistent course. Herein, we present an interesting example of biopsy-confirmed anogenital herpes vegetans in a 61-year-old male with AIDS in the setting of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, an association that is less frequently described. This case serves as an important reminder to consider atypical presentations of infectious disease when examining immunocompromised patients, as prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential in this population.