microbiology A 40 year-old nun who was seropositive for HIV experienced abdomina
ID: 89705 • Letter: M
Question
microbiology
Explanation / Answer
A newborn female developed extensive vesicular and ulcerative lesions over her face and chest. What is the most likely cause of her symptoms? How would you determine the viral cause of this disease without doing a viral culture?
Answer:
Try to consider Herpes Simplex Virus in this newborn female case, and it has happened due to vertical transmission from the mother to the newborn most likely. You can also think about the Varicella Zoster infection However, you also need to consider some other diagnoses before you jump in with both feet.
You try to collect the venous blood from the infant and look for the raised inflammatory markers such as CRP. And also by taking WCC (see for lymphocytosis).
As a most sensitive and specific method go for the detection of anti-virus antibodies detectable in the blood through serological tests.
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