Herpes Simplex Viral Cytopathic Effect in Anorectal Cytology of a HIV Positive Homosexual Man Presented with Acute Proctitis

Gazal Alsaati and Zahra Maleki

Department of Pathology, Georgetown University, USA
Department of Cytopathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, USA

^*Correspondance to: Zahra Maleki 

 PDF  Full Text Case Report | Open Access

Abstract:

Objective: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) cytopathic effects in anorectal cytology specimens have rarely been described. Presence of HSV viral cytopathic effect in anorectal pap cytology can confirm the diagnosis in symptomatic patients. Awareness of herpetic proctitis in HIV positive and/ or homosexual men may initiate prompt diagnosis and treatment. An anorectal cytology is cost effective, and provides a time efficient diagnosis.Design: We encountered an anorectal pap smear of a young homosexual man who was newly diagnosed with HIV and presented with symptomatic acute analproctitis.Results: The anorectal pap smear cytology demonstrated the classic cytopathic effect of herpessimplex in infected squamous cells and columnar cells of the anal canal. This was also confirmed with positive viral culture of the anal canal for HSV-2.
Conclusion: In symptomatic patients the identification of HSV viral cytopathic effect on anorectal cytology will confirm the diagnosis of herpeticproctitis. Although not commonly seen, the anorectal cytology in this case demonstrates the classic cytopathic effects of herpes-simplex infection.

Keywords:

HIV/AIDS; Anorectal region; Antiviral therapy; Immunodeficiency; Mucosal infection

Cite the Article:

Alsaati G, Maleki Z. Herpes Simplex Viral Cytopathic Effect in Anorectal Cytology of a HIV Positive Homosexual Man Presented with Acute Proctitis. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2017; 2: 1304.