Herpes Simplex Induced Colitis Complicating Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a virus rarely can involve the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in individuals with underlying endogenous or exogenous immunosuppressant.Case Report: Patient, a 26-year old man with a history of ulcerative colitis was referred with severe abdominal pain, treat-refractory hematochezia and use of simultaneous immunosuppressive drug. Once suspected and investigated, HSV was known to be the cause of the acute episode. Therefore, the patient underwent treatment with acyclovir whereupon in a matter of days his symptoms healed.

Today, HSV is considered as the cause of fulminant attack or resistance of inflamatory bowel diseases to immunomodulator treatment; it can be identified using immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction of tissue samples. Timely antiviral therapy can prevent severe attacks and damage.