TITLE:
A Case Report of Orf Disease in a Greek Island: Diagnostic Tests or Interventions Are Not Necessary
AUTHORS:
M. Lalountas, A. Kriari, C. Asteriou, I. Tornikidis, P. Lazaridis
KEYWORDS:
Orf Disease, Parapoxvirus, Contagious Ecthyma, Hand, Treatment
JOURNAL NAME:
Modern Research in Inflammation,
Vol.3 No.2,
May
12,
2014
ABSTRACT:
The Orf disease, also known as contagious
ecthyma, is a zoonotic infection caused by a dermatotropic parapoxvirus that
commonly infects small ruminants such as sheep and goats. It is transmitted to
humans through contact with an infected animal or fomites. Human infection typically
is associated with occupational animal contact. We recently treated a healthy 41-year-old woman who presented a hangnail lesion on
the middle finger of her right hand. The lesion was hard cauliflower-like mass,
granulomatous and painful. Surgical debridement and biopsy were performed for
further investigation. The Orf disease is usually self-limiting and resolves in 6 - 10 weeks,
but complications may occur. The diagnosis may be confirmed by electron
microscopy, conventional histopathology or by isolation of the virus by PCR.
Early clinical recognition and knowledge of this benign viral condition are
vital to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.