Multiforme erythema complicating an orf

Abstract

Orf, also known as ecthyma contagiosum, is a spontaneously zoonotic epitheliotropic skin infection caused by a parapox virus. The disease develops in sheep and goats. The virus can also infect humans who come into contact with active lesions, or with their products. Erythema multiforme is considered to be a rare complication of Orf’s disease. We report the case of a young Moroccan woman, who presented an Orf complicated of multiforme erythema, appeared 8 days after the Feast of Sacrifice, having well heal under symptomatic treatment. Orf is capable of causing epidemics after the Sacrifice Feast in Muslim countries, therefore information on the disease as well as the precautions to be taken, should be provided to groups at risk.

Keywords

• orf
• multiforme erythema
• virus sacrifice