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O vírus herpes simplex é o principal responsável por ulcerações genitais de etiologia infecciosa. No contexto de imunodeficiência, manifesta-se frequentemente de forma atípica, com lesões mais floridas, sendo também frequente a resistência à terapêutica clássica, resultando numa evolução prolongada. Descreve-se o caso clinico de um homem de 25 anos, com antecedentes de imunodeficiência comum variável, que recorre à nossa consulta por ulcerações genitais extensas e exuberantes da região inguino-escrotal de etiologia herpética. Após terapêutica prolongada com valaciclovir, o doente mantinha-se sintomático, tendo-se optado pela associação de imiquimod 5% tópico, com resolução do quadro clínico e excelente tolerância. O imiquimod, funcionando como um imunomodulador local, estimula a resposta imunológica antiviral. Configura- -se assim como uma alternativa nos casos de infeções herpéticas de difícil controlo, especialmente em doentes imunodeprimidos.

The cytomegalovirus infection is prevalent in developed countries. The natural history of disease includes three phases: primoinfection (majority is asymptomatic), latency and reactivation. In certain immunosuppressive states, as in the case of transplantation and HIV infection, the virus can reactivate, occurring cutaneous manifestations, of what stands out the occurrence of genital ulcers. In these, co-infection with other etiologic agents is common, particularly with the herpes simplex virus, leading to more severe manifestations and difficulty in the differential diagnosis. In this context, it is relevant to know the pathogenesis of this virus and the diagnostics means available in order to optimize its therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The herpes simplex virus is a common cause of genital ulcers. In the immunocompromised, it may have an atypical presentation, with exuberant lesions, frequently resulting in resistance to the mainstream therapeutic options, and a consequent prolonged course. A 25-year-old male with a previous history of common variable immunodeficiency, presented with herpetic extensive genital ulcerations on the inguinoscrotal region. Despite a long period of valacyclovir therapy, the patient remained symptomatic. We decided to add topical 5% imiquimod as an adjunctive therapy, and observed a completed resolution of the ulcerations. Imiquimod, working as a local immunomodulator, stimulates the anti-viral immunologic response. Therefore, it is an alternative in recalcitrant herpetic lesions, especially in the setting of immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]