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A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Multiphasic encephalomyelitis in a patient with recurrent herpes simplex type 2 meningitis
Staffan Görander1, Oluf Andersen, Birgitta Leiram
1Clinical Virology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. staffan.gorander@microbio.gu.se
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|September 30, 2006
Summary
A patient experienced acute encephalomyelitis following a 20-year symptom-free period after recurrent herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) meningitis. This case suggests HSV-2 can trigger severe neurological conditions even after long latency.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Recurrent herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) meningitis is a known neurological condition.
- Long-term latency of HSV-2 infections can occur.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of recurrent HSV-2 meningitis remained asymptomatic for nearly 20 years.
- The patient subsequently developed acute encephalomyelitis.
Findings:
- Clinical, laboratory, and radiological data confirmed acute multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
- The ADEM was strongly associated with a recurrent HSV-2 infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for latent HSV-2 to reactivate and cause severe neurological disorders like ADEM.
- It underscores the importance of considering viral reactivation in unexplained neurological presentations.
- Further research into the mechanisms of HSV-2 induced neuroinflammation is warranted.
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