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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Reactivation and centripetal spread of herpes simplex virus complicating acoustic neuroma resection
Ibrahim Jalloh1, Mathew R Guilfoyle, Simon K W Lloyd
1Department of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK. ibrahim.jalloh@nuh.nhs.uk
Background:
Herpes simplex is a common human pathogen that has rare but severe manifestations including encephalitis.
Case Description:
A 44-year-old man underwent uneventful resection of an acoustic neuroma. Postoperatively, he developed swinging pyrexia, vomiting, and episodic confusion. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid showed a lymphocytosis, and polymerase chain reaction revealed herpes simplex DNA. After treatment of herpes encephalitis with acyclovir, the patient made a good recovery.
Conclusion:
Herpes encephalitis is a rare complication of neurosurgical procedures, and the most likely etiology is reactivation of latent infection from manipulation of cranial nerves.
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