Shingles: a harbinger of chronic HIV infection. Issue 6 (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zachariah, S.; Sullivan, A.; Donato, A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives. Volume 11:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 871
• Page End: 873
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -- herpes zoster -- reactivation -- shingles; Internal medicine -- Periodicals; Hospitals -- Periodicals; Hospitals, Community; Internal Medicine; Hospitals; Internal medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2021.1969080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-9666

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce the risk of community transmission and morbidity and mortality of individuals infected with HIV. A 49-year-old woman presented with a painful, vesicular rash on the left side of her neck after being treated with valacyclovir for a separate perianal rash. She admitted recent weight loss and diffuse lymphadenopathy. She reported one family member with HIV but denied intravenous drug use or recently new sexual partners. Serum HIV-1 antibody screen was positive. Herpes zoster reactivation is associated with waning immunity in chronic HIV and should prompt testing. Delays in treatment impacts short-term and long-term prognosis for patients infected with HIV.