DESTRUCTIVE HERPETIC WHITLOW IN AIDS - REPORT OF 3 CASES

Herpes simplex virus infection in immunocompromised individuals, inclu ding AIDS patients, is characterized by its tendency for atypical pres entations and unusual locations, often resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Three HIV-infected patients who developed prolonged cut aneous lesions of the fingers are presented, These lesions were unmodi fied by previous antibiotic treatment, and rapidly progressed to the c omplete destruction of nail structures in two patients, Viral culture confirmed the diagnosis of herpetic whitlow in all cases, and treatmen t with oral aciclovir resulted in complete recovery Surgical treatment was not necessary.