High frequency of detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in the oral cavity of patients with eczema herpeticum.

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA was detected in the oral cavity of patients with herpes labialis under various conditions such as during oral surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The frequency of detection of oral HSV DNA was compared between first or recurrent episodes of eczema herpeticum and recurrent type herpes labialis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Oral swabs were collected from 7 patients with eczema herpeticum and 9 with herpes labialis. The detection of oral HSV DNA was performed by the polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTS

Oral HSV DNA was detected in 6 out of 7 patients (86%) with eczema herpeticum and 3 of 9 (33%) with herpes labialis.

CONCLUSIONS

The high frequency of oral HSV DNA detection in eczema herpeticum suggests that subclinical herpetic lesions may develop in the oral cavity of patients with a first episode of eczema herpeticum or may occur during asymptomatic oral HSV shedding in people with recurrent eczema herpeticum.