Severe thrombocytopenia after generalized herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection.
Our patient, we believe, experienced a primary HSV-2 infection manifested by fever, malaise, and orogenital mucocutaneous lesions. With resolution of systemic manifestations, and at a time of theorized rise in HSV-2 antibody levels, he had thrombocytopenic purpura which persisted for several weeks. An immune disorder secondary to HSV-2 infection similar to that of postrubella infection is postulated. If this theory is correct, severe immune thrombocytopenic purpura is yet one more of the many observed complications of HSV infection.
D000328:Adult; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011696:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / Q000209:etiology*