Related Experiment Videos
Relapsing herpes simplex encephalitis following antiviral therapy.
Annals of Neurology
|February 1, 1983
Summary
Recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis can cause relapses in patients. This case highlights the potential for delayed viral reactivation in the brain, even after initial treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis treatment has improved survival rates.
- However, some patients experience unexplained clinical exacerbations or relapses.
- The exact mechanisms behind these relapses are not fully understood.
Observation:
- An adult male presented with symptoms consistent with HSV encephalitis, localized to the left temporal lobe.
- Initial treatment with cytosine arabinoside was administered instead of the standard adenine arabinoside.
- The patient initially recovered but later relapsed with a subacute progressive encephalitis in the same brain region.
Findings:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis during relapse showed oligoclonal bands and elevated immunoglobulin G levels.
- A high HSV antibody titer was detected.
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 was successfully isolated from a left temporal lobe biopsy, confirming recurrent viral encephalitis.
Implications:
- This case suggests that recurrent HSV encephalitis can manifest as delayed relapses.
- Understanding the potential for viral reactivation is crucial for managing HSV encephalitis.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of recurrent viral encephalitis is warranted.