Herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Nervous system involvement

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Neurotropic herpesviruses, including herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), are significant causes of neurologic complications.
• Other herpesviruses like cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can also manifest with neurologic involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the primary neurologic complications associated with HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV.
• To briefly discuss the neurologic manifestations of CMV and EBV.
• To summarize treatment strategies for herpesvirus-induced neurologic conditions in both immunosuppressed and non-immunosuppressed patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on neurologic complications of neurotropic herpesviruses.
• Synthesis of information regarding clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic interventions.
• Categorization of treatments based on patient immune status.

Main Results:

• Herpes simplex viruses and varicella-zoster virus are key pathogens causing diverse neurologic syndromes.
• Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus present with less common but important neurologic sequelae.
• Treatment protocols vary depending on the specific virus, clinical manifestation, and patient's immune status.

Conclusions:

• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antiviral therapy are crucial for managing herpesvirus-related neurologic diseases.
• Understanding the spectrum of neurologic complications and tailoring treatment to individual patient factors improves outcomes.
• Further research into optimal treatment strategies, especially for refractory cases and in immunocompromised individuals, remains important.