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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Intracerebroventricular Viral Injection of the Neonatal Mouse Brain for Persistent and Widespread Neuronal Transduction
10:15

Intracerebroventricular Viral Injection of the Neonatal Mouse Brain for Persistent and Widespread Neuronal Transduction

Published on: September 15, 2014

Herpes simplex encephalitis in infants

D E Dwyer, S O'Flaherty, D Packham

    The Medical Journal of Australia
    |June 23, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Severe herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis in infants can lead to poor outcomes. Early acyclovir treatment did not prevent significant neurological impairment in two infant cases.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Virology

    Background:

    • Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common cause of viral encephalitis.
    • Infants are particularly vulnerable to severe neurological complications from HSV-1 infections.

    Observation:

    • Two infants presented with severe encephalitis and focal seizures.
    • Diagnosis was confirmed by detecting IgM antibodies to HSV-1 in cerebrospinal fluid and serum.

    Findings:

    • Primary HSV-1 infection caused severe encephalitis in both infants.
    • Despite prompt intravenous acyclovir administration, clinical response was poor.
    • Both infants experienced severe, lasting neurological impairment.

    Implications:

    • This highlights the potential severity of HSV-1 encephalitis in infants.
    • Early diagnosis and treatment may not always prevent severe neurological sequelae.
    • Further research into optimal management strategies for infant HSV-1 encephalitis is warranted.

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