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Updated: Jul 8, 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 virus meningitis in 11 patients]
Charles Binetruy1, Claire Deback, Claire Roubaud-Baudron
1Département de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.
Medecine Et Maladies Infectieuses
|January 15, 2008
Summary
Early recognition and treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) meningitis, particularly HSV-2, with intravenous acyclovir (IV ACV) and oral valaciclovir (VACV), leads to rapid symptom resolution and prevents recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) meningitis is a rare but serious neurological infection.
- Genital herpes is a common risk factor for HSV meningitis, particularly HSV-2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of 11 patients diagnosed with HSV meningitis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous acyclovir (IV ACV) and oral valaciclovir (VACV) in managing HSV meningitis and preventing recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of demographic, clinical, and biological data from 11 patients with HSV meningitis.
- Diagnosis confirmed by HSV detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via PCR, with HSV-2 typing.
- Treatment analysis included IV ACV, oral valaciclovir (VACV), and follow-up for recurrence.
Main Results:
- All 11 patients presented with abrupt onset of severe headache and fever, meningismus, and CSF findings consistent with lymphocytic pleocytosis.
- HSV was detected in CSF in all cases, with HSV-2 identified in 6 patients.
- Rapid symptom resolution (within 48 hours) was observed in all patients treated with IV ACV, with adjunctive oral VACV showing efficacy in preventing recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with IV ACV are crucial for favorable outcomes in HSV meningitis.
- Adjunctive oral VACV appears effective in preventing recurrent episodes of HSV meningitis.
- Further studies are needed to establish optimal treatment durations and prophylactic strategies.
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