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Herpes simplex virus encephalitis in Peru: a multicentre prospective study
S M Montano1, N Mori2, C A Nelson2
1US Naval Medical Research Unit-6,Callao,Peru.
Epidemiology and Infection
|January 7, 2016
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is common in North America and Europe, but less understood elsewhere. This study in Peru found HSV encephalitis cases presented more often in summer with nausea and rash.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a leading cause of encephalitis in North America and Europe.
- The epidemiology and clinical presentation of HSV encephalitis outside these regions are not well-defined.
- Limited data exists on HSV encephalitis in South America.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of encephalitis in Peru.
- To identify the prevalence and types of HSV causing encephalitis in the study population.
- To compare clinical presentations between HSV-infected and non-HSV-infected encephalitis patients.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre prospective study of 313 encephalitis patients in Peru from 2009-2012.
- Confirmed HSV infection in 45 patients (14.4%).
- HSV typing performed on 38 patients; clinical data collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- HSV infection was confirmed in 14.4% of encephalitis patients in Peru.
- HSV-1 was the predominant type (84%) among patients with known HSV type.
- HSV-infected patients were more likely to present during summer months and exhibit nausea and rash.
Conclusions:
- HSV encephalitis epidemiology and presentation differ outside the Northern Hemisphere.
- Further investigation into these differences is warranted.
- There is an urgent need for improved HSV diagnostics and intravenous acyclovir availability in Peru.
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