[Contagious ecthyma with virus demonstration in a negative staining method].

The diagnosis of contagious ecthyma was presumed by history and clinical appearance in a 33-year-old farmer. In electron miscroscopical preparations viral particles were found by the negative staining method. It is proposed to use this method for rapid diagnosis of suspected cases. In old lesions it is more difficult to demonstrate viral particles than in fresh lesions. Differential diagnosis and the position of Orf-virus in the system of viruses are briefly discussed.