A Case Report of Orf Disease in a Greek Island: Diagnostic Tests or Interventions are not Necessary with Scientific Explanation

M. Lalountas; A. Kriari; C. Asteriou; I. Tornikidis; P. Lazaridis

M. Lalountas Surgical Department, General Hospital of Halkidiki, Polygyrou, Greece.
A. Kriari Surgical Department, General Hospital of Halkidiki, Polygyrou, Greece.
C. Asteriou Surgical Department, General Hospital of Halkidiki, Polygyrou, Greece.
I. Tornikidis Surgical Department, General Hospital of Halkidiki, Polygyrou, Greece.
P. Lazaridis Surgical Department, General Hospital of Halkidiki, Polygyrou, Greece.

Keywords: Orf disease, parapoxvirus, contagious ecthyma, hand, treatment

Abstract

The Orf disease, also known as contagious ecthyma, is a zoonotic infection caused by a dermatotropic parapoxvirus that commonly infects small ruminants such as sheep and goats. It is transmitted to humans through contact with an infected animal or fomites. Human infection typically is associated with occupational animal contact. We resently treated a healthy 41-year-old woman who presented a hangnail lesion on the middle finger of her right hand. The lesion was hard cauliflower-like mass, granulomatous and painful. Surgical debridement and biopsy were performed for further investigation. The Orf disease is usually self-limiting and resolves in 6 10 weeks, but complications may occur. The diagnosis may be confirmed by electron microscopy, conventional histopathology or by isolation of the virus by PCR. Early clinical recognition and knowledge of this benign viral condition are vital to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.