Ecthyma contagiosum

Last Updated: 2022-04-01

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: -

Orf, sheep pox, vaccinoids, livestock pox.

A zoonosis caused by parapoxvirus ovis, a DNA-square virus, with low contagiosity.

  • Common disease among sheep farmers
  • Self-limiting, but frequent recurrences (an infectious immunity)

  • Incubation period: 3-11 days
  • Infection occurs via injured skin through direct contact with sheep, lambs and goats. Ecthyma contagiosum occurs mainly in spring.

  • Mostly on the extensor sides of the fingers (rarely on the face)
  • 1st week: maculopapular stage
  • 2nd week: cocard stage
  • 3rd week: exudation
  • 4th week: formation of a crust
  • 5th week: papillomatous transformation, then regression
  • Generalisation very rare. Incidental findings often regional lymphadenopathy

Anamnesis, clinic, dermatopathology, virus detection.

Vascular granulation tissue with epidermal ballooned cells and reticular degeneration.

Healing after approx. 5 weeks without scarring.

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