Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis After Neonatal HSV-1 Infection in a Child With Low TLR-3 Function

Neonatal herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) often results in long-lasting neuro-disability in affected children. In addition to primary HSVE and HSVE relapses, children with herpes simplex virus are at increased risk of developing anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDARe), an autoimmune encephalitis. In this study, we describe a patient with neonatal disseminated herpes infection, who developed HSVE after discontinuation of 2 years of acyclovir suppressive therapy. After resolution of HSVE, the patient rapidly deteriorated with significant behavioral and neurologic changes including emotional outbursts, fearfulness, involuntary movements, and focal seizures. The patient was diagnosed with anti-NMDARe and was later found to have low toll-like receptor-3 function. In this study, we review published pediatric cases of anti-NMDARe after HSVE as well as previous literature and primary data examining the presentation, predisposing risk factors, predictive outcomes, future directions, and the role of immunodeficiency in HSVE-mediated anti-NMDARe. The neonatal immune system and developing brain are disproportionately vulnerable to early viral exposure; therefore, it is important to recognize the value of early immunodeficiency screening in patients with neonatal herpes simplex virus. By understanding the immune landscape within this patient population, we can mitigate long-term neurologic disability and improve the quality of life of affected children.