ORAL MANIFESTATION OF ATYPICAL CHRONIC HERPES IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS: A CASE REPORT

The infection caused by the herpes simplex virus is one of the most common in the orofacial region, presenting as primary, recurrent forms or rarely as a chronic form. The onset of oral lesions in immunosuppressed patients occurs as progressively enlarged ulcers or unusual forms of extensive white-yellow plaques on the tongue. This reports a case of a 46-year-old female patient complaining of weakness, dysphagia, and a tongue lesion. She had history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity, noncompliance with antiretroviral therapy, and pulmonary tuberculosis. The oral lesion was a yellowish-white plaque on the back of the tongue, emitting lateral projections, unable to be removed by scraping, and asymptomatic. The diagnostic hypothesis of chronic herpes made us starting therapy with acyclovir resulting in total remission in D14 and confirmed to be chronic herpes by immunohistochemical analysis. This case reinforces the importance of careful assessment of the oral cavity in immunosuppressed patients, aiding in the diagnosis of opportunistic viral processes and early therapeutic measures.