0000000000778524
AUTHOR
Nancy S. Handler
MILKER’S NODULE. A PERPLEXING FARMYARD INFECTION AND THREAT TO THE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED
Milker’s nodules, also called paravaccinia, is a DNA virus transmitted from infected cows to humans. It results from contact with cattle, cattle byproducts, or fomites. Classified as an occupational disorder, those at risk of exposure include farmers, butchers, and agricultural tourists. The viral infection begins 5—15 days after inoculation as an erythematous-purple, round nodule with a clear depressed center, and a surrounding erythematous ring. While familiar to those in farming communities, the presence of the nodule may be concerning to others, particularly the immunosuppressed. Milker’s nodules are selflimited in immunocompetent individuals and heal without scarring within 8 weeks. An…
Milker's nodule: an occupational infection and threat to the immunocompromised
Milker's nodule virus, also called paravaccinia virus is a DNA virus of the parapoxvirus genus transmitted from infected cows to humans. It results from contact with cattle, cattle byproducts, or fomites. Classified as an occupational disorder, those at risk of exposure include farmers, butchers, and agricultural tourists. The viral infection begins 5-15 days after inoculation as an erythematous-purple, round nodule with a clear depressed center, and a surrounding erythematous ring. While familiar to those in farming communities, the presence of the nodule may be concerning to others, particularly the immunosuppressed. Milker's nodules are self-limited in immunocompetent individuals and hea…