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[Is Mollaret's meningitis caused by herpes simplex virus type 2?]
Lakartidningen
|April 5, 1989
Summary
Mollaret's meningitis, a recurrent condition, may be caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Intrathecal antibodies against HSV-2 were detected, and acyclovir treatment prevented further meningitis episodes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Mollaret's meningitis presents as recurrent, transient episodes of aseptic meningitis.
- The exact cause of Mollaret's meningitis remains elusive, though viral origins are suspected.
Observation:
- A patient with Mollaret's meningitis exhibited intrathecal IgG antibodies specific to the HSV-2 glycoprotein gG2.
- This detection was achieved using the immunoblot technique.
Findings:
- The patient experienced no further meningitis episodes after twelve months of prophylactic acyclovir treatment.
- The presence of HSV-2 specific antibodies suggests a potential etiological link.
Implications:
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is proposed as a potential causative agent for Mollaret's meningitis.
- These findings may guide future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for recurrent meningitis.