Transmission of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection in Rugby Players

A symmetrical pustular auricular eruption due to recurrent HSV infection

“…Symmetrical pustular auricular eruptions are unusual and other inflammatory diseases have to be excluded. In our case the clinical history of recurrences since childhood supported the diagnosis of recurrent HSV infection and the unusual site of inoculation suggested a field acquired infection [1]. Field acquired infection in contact sports is not an uncommon problem and has mainly been described in wrestling teams and rugby players.…”

“…Primary HSV-1 infection associated with trauma sustained in contact sports is not an uncommon problem. It was first reported in college wrestlers and secondly in rugby players causing mainly facial lesions [1,[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Herpes "gladiatorum" has been described as primary innoculation of herpes simplex in wrestling teams [3][4][5][6][7].…”

Diagnosis of sports‐related dermatoses

“…Herpes gladiatorum refers to occurrence of herpes simplex I infection among wrestlers 51 . In one outbreak, 60 of 175 high school wrestlers attending a training camp were affected 52 .…”

“…50 Herpes gladiatorum refers to occurrence of herpes simplex I infection among wrestlers. 51 In one outbreak, 60 of 175 high school wrestlers attending a training camp were affected. 52 As a result of the "lock up" position in which opponents' right cheeks are repeatedly pressed together, these lesions are typically on the right side of the face and head.…”

Infectious Disease and Boxing

“…60 There is also a documented case of a rugby player developing HSVrelated meningitis and sacral ganglionitis with perineal and lower extremity paresthesias. 61 Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are the main antivirals used for treating King HSV infections. There are financial and convenience factors involved in deciding which medication to use.…”