title: Varicella: pediatric genital/rectal vesicular lesions of unclear origin.
abstract: Three children who presented with localized vesicular rash in the diaper area were found to have primary varicella-zoster infections. Primary varicella can closely mimic genital herpes simplex virus (HSV 1 or 2), which may be an indicator of sexual abuse. To avoid unfounded investigation for sexual abuse, primary varicella-zoster infection must be included in the differential diagnosis. Direct fluorescent antibody testing is a sensitive and specific diagnostic test that can be used to distinguish HSV 1 or 2 from varicella-zoster.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
authors: H K
authors: HK
authors: Simon
authors: D W
authors: DW
authors: Steele
mesh_terms: D002644:Chickenpox / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000821:virology; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000821:virology; D017193:Skin Diseases, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis*