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A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
[A herpes simplex virus encephalitis case with no clinical response to acyclovir treatment]
Fatma Cakmak Celik1, Ayhan Dağdemir, Cafer Eroğlu
1Ondokuz Mayis Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Cocuk Sağliği ve Hastaliklari Anabilim Dali, Samsun. clkfatma@yahoo.com
Mikrobiyoloji Bulteni
|January 5, 2008
Summary
This case report details an 11-month-old girl with herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis unresponsive to standard acyclovir treatment. The study highlights potential acyclovir resistance in HSV encephalitis, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and alternative strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is a severe neurological infection with high morbidity and mortality.
- Effective antiviral therapy exists, primarily acyclovir, but treatment resistance can occur.
Observation:
- An 11-month-old girl presented with fever and focal convulsions, diagnosed with HSV encephalitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed abnormalities, and cranial MRI showed bilateral temporal lobe enhancement.
- Initial acyclovir treatment failed to yield clinical improvement, with HSV-1 DNA detected in CSF.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited clinical and virological unresponsiveness to standard acyclovir dosing.
- Despite escalated acyclovir therapy, persistent HSV-1 DNA in CSF suggested potential drug resistance.
- Neurological complications, including partial seizures and orofacial dyskinesis, developed during treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
- It highlights the importance of monitoring treatment response and considering alternative therapies in non-responsive cases.
- Further research into the mechanisms and prevalence of acyclovir resistance in HSV encephalitis is warranted.
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