title: Recurrent infection in the left thumb.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Infections of the hand may be associated with lymphangitis and lymphadenitis. In most cases, bacterial infections are responsible but these may be also due to viral infections.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a clinical case of a recurrent infection in the left thumb of a health male. Bacterial and viral cultures were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 was isolated on viral culture and on direct fluorescent antibody testing; so, the final diagnosis was herpetic whitlow.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Herpetic whitlow should be considered in cases of recurrent finger infections.
authors: Dpto Especialidades Médicas, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, emilio.pintor@uem.es.
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Pintor
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Montilla
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Catalán
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Burillo
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Gargantilla
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Herreros
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013933:Thumb / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology*
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