Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume 2 (1995), Issue 6, Pages 279-281
doi:10.1155/S1064744995000184
Gynecological Case Report
Vaginal Mucositis in Measles
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Passo, TX, USA
2Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, P.O. Box 100294, Gainesville 32610-0294, FL, USA
Received 12 October 1994; Accepted 12 January 1995
Abstract
Background: Measles (rubeola), a common childhood exanthema, occurs infrequently in adults.
Vaginal mucositis in association with measles is not commonly described.
Case: During a recent measles epidemic, 2 female patients presented with high fever, myalgia,
exanthema, and prostration. On examination, each patient had marked inflammation and tenderness
of the vaginal mucosa, prompting the presumptive diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome. The
evolution of the illness was consistent with measles. Cervicovaginal cultures were negative for
pathogens. Acute and convalescent antibody titers for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, rubella,
leptospirosis, and Proteus Ox-19 were not consistent with a recent infection. The sera also were
negative for anti-toxic shock toxin-1 and anti-streptolysin. Measles antibody titers were consistent
with a recent infection.
Conclusion: Vaginal mucositis is an unusual manifestation of measles that may mimic toxic shock
syndrome.