Genital ulcers caused by Epstein-Barr virus

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004 Nov;51(5):824-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.04.028.

Abstract

In North America, the most common cause of vulvar ulcers is infection with herpes simplex virus. However, Epstein-Barr virus can also cause vulvar ulcers, and may be underrecognized. Unlike herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus is not necessarily sexually transmitted. Therefore, it is particularly important to include in the differential diagnosis of genital ulcers for patients for whom a diagnosis of a venereal infection has important psychosocial consequences. We report three cases of acute primary Epstein-Barr virus infection in which the presenting symptoms were vulvar ulceration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ulcer / pathology
  • Ulcer / virology*
  • Vulvar Diseases / pathology
  • Vulvar Diseases / virology*