Cowpox virus infection in a child after contact with a domestic cat: a case report

摘要

Human cowpox represents a seldom diagnosed zoonosis but this diagnosis should be considered more frequently as the number of cases has increased in recent years. We describe a case of cowpox in an 11-yearold boy following regular direct daily contact with a domestic cat. The 11-year-old patient, an otherwise healthy boy, demonstrated skin ulceration located at his chin, with enlargement of regional lymph nodes and fever reaching 39 degrees C. The diagnosis of cowpox was made on the basis of PCR involving DNA isolated from a scab covering the skin lesion.