What is Herpes Colitis?

The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is very common the world over. HSV infections are the most common infections in immunocompetent individuals (people with healthy immune systems). In people who can have normal immune system responses, the HSV infection is usually fairly mild. However, in immunocompromised individuals (people with compromised immune systems); the HSV infection can cause systemic infections which can lead to organ failure and death.

Most often, the Herpes viruses are associated with cold sores and genital warts, but the Herpes virus can occur anywhere in the body. Herpes Colitis is caused by the HSV virus. Herpes colitis is fairly rare, but it is sometimes found in people who have inflammatory bowel syndrome. People who do have Herpes Colitis are very seriously sick, and could die from it.

Other possible causes of Herpes Colitis are associated the use of immunosuppressive drugs like Azathioprine, Tacrolimus, Prednisone and other corticosteroids, methotrexate and Cyclosporine. These drugs can cause people to be at risk for gastrointestinal infections caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus.

Symptoms of Herpes Colitis

Symptoms of HSV colitis, actually, aren't much different from colitis from other causes. The symptoms of herpes colitis include watery diarrhea; there may also be blood present in the loose stool. There may also be fever, joint pain, abdominal cramping, loss of appetite, nausea, and weight loss. Herpes Simplex Virus DNA is found in colonic biopsies in cases of Herpes Colitis.

Patients may have gastric ulcers, oral erosions, gastric infections, esophagitis, and symptoms of inflammatory bowel syndrome. People most at risk for these symptoms are those who suffer from some kind of immunodeficiency conditions, taking steroid therapy, or have had cancer treatments or organ transplants.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Herpes Colitis

A fast and sure diagnosis for HSV Colitis is required for starting any type of antiviral therapy. Quick diagnosis is necessary to lessen the risk for mortality. Some very effective agents used in HSV therapy are nucleosides; these drugs inhibit the reproduction of the offending viruses.

The doctor will order blood tests and an endoscopic assessment will be required. Immunohistochemistry tests are done to locate antibodies, which are specialized proteins that react with antigens.

Patients suffering from colitis of any form, including HSV Colitis, may be at risk for perforation and bleeding. In the case of such dangerous conditions, surgery may be indicated.

Drugs used to treat HSV Colitis include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and medications to help to regulate the immune system. These medications can be quite effective in relieving the symptoms of HSV Colitis, but the patient may experience a number of side effects such as heartburn, headache, nausea, vomiting, and flushing of the skin.

Conclusion

HSV Colitis is a condition that very rarely occurs in patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel syndrome. A person suffering from IBS may be cleared of the HSV infection, but may relapse with another episode of inflammatory bowel disease or syndrome.

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HSV Colitis

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