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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
12:22
A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
[Herpes simplex 1 virus Mollaret meningitis]
J Carmena Carmena1, M Macià Soler, A Cremades Mira
1Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia.
Revista Clinica Espanola
|July 28, 2004
Summary
Mollaret meningitis, a recurrent aseptic meningitis, is typically linked to Epstein-Barr virus or herpes simplex virus type 2. This case highlights herpes simplex virus type 1 as a rare cause, confirmed by immunohistochemistry.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Mollaret meningitis presents as recurrent, self-limiting aseptic meningitis episodes.
- It is generally considered benign with viral etiologies, most commonly Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2.
Observation:
- This report details a rare case of Mollaret meningitis associated with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
- HSV-1 was identified within the cytoplasm of Mollaret cells using immunohistochemistry (ABC-peroxidase method) with monoclonal antibodies.
Findings:
- The study demonstrates HSV-1 in Mollaret cells, supporting its role in this specific case.
- This represents the first documented instance of Mollaret meningitis linked to HSV-1, confirmed via immunohistochemical analysis.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known viral triggers for Mollaret meningitis.
- It underscores the utility of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing rare infectious meningitis cases.
- Further research may explore the specific mechanisms of HSV-1 in recurrent aseptic meningitis.
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