Varicella-Infected Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patient with Secondary Infection

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome infections are major problems in Indonesia, and antiretroviral therapy can reduce morbidity and mortality. The incidence of Varicella-Zoster Virus infection increases with worsening immune function; therefore, early diagnosis, proper management, and early detection of Human immunodeficiency virus infection may inhibit acquired immunodeficiency syndrome progression. A woman aged 27 was admitted to the outpatient unit with blistered skin from one week before hospitalization. She was in a weak condition, and the skin appeared to have pus-filled bullae, partially crusted and visibly eroded with pus. She had a moderate fever, which worsened for one week to 39°C. She suffered from painful urination and bowel movements in the last one week when exposed to skin lesions around the genitals. She was diagnosed with Human immunodeficiency virus because of weight loss, chronic diarrhea, sprue, oris candidiasis, two-month fever, positive Human immunodeficiency virus rapid test; positive 3-method test and Cluster of Differentiation 4 cell count 17%. The Tzanck test showed the patient was positive with giant cells. Varicella diagnosis was clinically established, but positive Tzanck test, viral or Polymerase Chain Reaction cultures were not performed due to limited cost. According to the results of physical examination and laboratory examination, the patient was diagnosed with varicella with the complication of a secondary infection. Her condition improved during the treatment. Her prognosis improved, but she might later have herpes zoster risk.