High Frequency of Detection of Herpes simplex Virus DNA in the Oral Cavity of Patients with Eczema herpeticum

Abstract

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.