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A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Relapsing herpes simplex encephalitis resulting in Kluver-Bucy syndrome
1Department of Neurology, Myongji Hospital, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|April 7, 2011
Summary
Relapsing herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) can occur even after treatment. Sudden behavioral changes post-HSE may signal relapse, necessitating longer antiviral therapy in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a severe brain infection.
- Acyclovir is the standard treatment for HSE.
- Relapsing HSE after standard acyclovir treatment is rare.
Observation:
- A patient presented with relapsing HSE in the contralateral temporal lobe after completing a full course of acyclovir.
- The patient developed Klüver-Bucy syndrome, characterized by behavioral and emotional changes.
Findings:
- This case highlights a rare instance of HSE relapse post-treatment.
- The contralateral temporal lobe was affected in the relapse.
- Klüver-Bucy syndrome was a presenting sign of the relapse.
Implications:
- Sudden behavioral and emotional changes after HSE treatment should prompt consideration of relapsing HSE.
- Temporal lobe epilepsy should also be considered in such cases.
- Extended acyclovir treatment may be necessary for select patients with relapsing HSE.
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