Orf mimicking a venous ulcer in the foot

Abstract

Orf virus is a DNA virus belonging to the parapoxvirus family which is transmitted to humans by zoonotic routes through contact with infected animals. It is a worldwide spreading pathogen that can cause significant financial losses in animal production. Here, we present the case of a 42-year-old man diagnosed with orf but presenting as a venous ulcer in his on the inside of the left foot. He had been caring for his neighbor's sheeps which had been recently ill with “sore mouth.” This case draws attention to the fact that orf should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with foot ulcers.

Keywords

• foot ulcers
• orf
• parapoxvirus