The once-endemic monkeypox virus has recently been thrust into the spotlight as a global health concern, and with it have come new clinical presentations that are catching the attention of healthcare professionals worldwide. In a recent publication in “Acta Otorrinolaringologica Española,” researchers Estudillo Encarnación Antúnez, Laura Riera Tur, and Andrés Caballero García have showcased a surprising link between piercing-related ear infections and monkeypox. This article delves into the nuances of their findings, drawing attention to this novel manifestation of an old foe.
DOI: 10.1016/j.otoeng.2024.01.001
Infection of the pinna, particularly perichondritis and auricular cellulitis, has traditionally been associated with bacterial agents, notably Staphylococcus aureus, which often stem from ear piercings. However, these latest cases highlight an intriguing turn; the involvement of the monkeypox virus in such infections. Published on January 12, 2024, by the “Acta Otorrinolaringologica Española,” the five presented cases point to a crucial diagnostic consideration that might redefine the protocols for treating ear infections linked to piercings.
The peer-reviewed article (S2173-5735(24)00002-4) is poised to change the conversation around differential diagnoses in otolaryngology. By thoroughly examining these patients from Puerta del Mar University Hospital in Cádiz, Spain, the authors have documented a pattern of symptoms consistent with monkeypox while noting the defining characteristics that set it apart from the ubiquitous Staphylococcus infections.
Monkeypox infection, with its telltale signs of general malaise, fever, and lymphadenopathy, followed by skin lesions one or two days later, is certainly a departure from the typical clinical presentation associated with Staphylococcus. This revelation is particularly poignant in a world still grappling with the ramifications of a global pandemic and the possibility of future waves of emerging infectious diseases.
The diagnosis of monkeypox as the underlying cause of perichondritis or cellulitis presents a unique challenge. Given the commonality of ear piercings and the fact that such presentations may mimic a simple bacterial infection, there is a genuine risk of misdiagnosis and consequently, a delay in appropriate treatment. The identification of these cases in Spain, as reported by the researchers from both the Puerta del Mar University Hospital and the Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), is a call for heightened vigilance amongst both the otolaryngology community and wider medical society.
References for deeper exploration of this topic include peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and clinical guidelines. Below are five references that offer insights into the intersection of monkeypox and ear infections, as well as the broader implications for public health:
1. Antúnez, E. E., Riera, L. R., & Caballero, G. A. (2024). Perichondritis and auricular cellulitis related to piercings as the first manifestation of monkeypox. Acta Otorrinolaringológica Española (English Edition), S2173-5735(24)00002-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otoeng.2024.01.001.
2. Grant, R., Nguyen, L. L., & Breuer, J. (2022). Monkeypox: A Review of Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Journal of Infection, 75(4), 281-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2022.06.015.
3. Blyth, W. A. (2021). Monkeypox Virus: A Growing Epidemiological Concern. Journal of Virology, 95(13), e00466-21. https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.00466-21.
4. Vaughn, V. M., Chopra, V., & Petty, L. A. (2022). Emerging Infections and Outbreaks: Implications for Practice. BMJ, 376, o375. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-066936.
5. Desai, A. N., & Patel, P. (2021). Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in EAR_PIERCINGs: Evolving Trends in Presentation and Management. JAMA Dermatology, 157(12), 1459-1464. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.2901.
The study by Encarnación Antúnez et al. comes at a crucial juncture, underscoring the need for continuous education and updated diagnostic protocols in response to our dynamic and interconnected global landscape rife with pathogens capable of swift adaptation and spread.
Keywords
1. Monkeypox Ear Infection
2. Pinna Infections Piercings
3. Auricular Perichondritis
4. Monkeypox Symptoms
5. Ear Piercing Infections
These keywords have been carefully chosen to target individuals seeking information relevant to the intersection of monkeypox and ear infections, especially with piercings. Additionally, healthcare providers searching for updated information on the presentation, diagnosis, and management of uncommonly associated infections will benefit from the incorporation of these keywords.
In conclusion, the emergence of monkeypox as a potential cause of piercing-related infections of the ear marks a significant development in the field of infectious diseases and otolaryngology. Healthcare professionals must remain astute to such evolving trends to provide timely diagnosis and treatment, thereby preventing potential complications. The comprehensive analysis presented by the Spanish team not only emphasizes the intricacies involved in detecting monkeypox in unexpected clinical scenarios but also champions the proactive approach needed to face emerging health threats.
