A 4-month-old male baby with an orf lesion on his nose: a rare case report

Abstract

Background: Ecthyma contagiosum, sometimes referred to as human orf, is a zoonotic disease caused by the orf virus that is mostly acquired by coming into contact with diseased animals such as sheep or goats. The orf virus, a DNA virus belonging to the Poxviridae family, infects epidermal keratinocytes via breaking down the skin barrier, which can be caused by burns or wounds. The accompanying characteristic skin lesions can take on a range of morphologies depending on the infection’s stage; lesions that are crusted, papillomatous, maculopapular, targetoid, and nodular can occur before clearing up. In addition to the lips and corners of the mouth, infected animals may also have lesions on the neck, vulva, and teeth. Skin sores caused by Ecthyma contagiousum discharge the orf virus into the environment. Case presentation: A 4-month-old male infant with no medical history brought himself to the dermatology clinic with a minor fever and a skin lesion on his nose. An orf virus infection was discovered in the newborn through blood culture and PCR testing. For a subsequent infection, the patient received fusidic acid cream, an antibiotic, and an antipyretic. Following a follow-up of 3 months, the lesion vanished entirely. Conclusion: Rarely, as in our instance, are orf nodules seen somewhere else than the hands. In order to appropriately treat a patient without fear, clinicians should keep this in mind, especially if they come up with a history similar to that of our patient.