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Mollaret's meningitis associated with herpes simplex type 2 infection
F J Picard1, G A Dekaban, J Silva
1Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Neurology
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA was detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with recurrent aseptic meningitis (Mollaret's meningitis). This finding suggests herpesviruses may be the cause of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Benign recurrent aseptic meningitis, also known as Mollaret's meningitis, is a rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of meningitis without a clear bacterial cause.
- The etiology of Mollaret's meningitis remains incompletely understood, although viral infections are suspected.
Observation:
- Three patients diagnosed with Mollaret's meningitis were studied.
- One patient experienced meningitis episodes coinciding with herpetic outbreaks.
- Mollaret cells were identified in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of two patients.
Findings:
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) DNA was detected in the CSF of all three patients during acute illness using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.
- CSF viral cultures were negative for HSV-2 in all cases.
- The presence of HSV-2 DNA supports a viral etiology for Mollaret's meningitis.
Implications:
- Herpesviruses, particularly HSV-2, are strongly implicated as a causative agent in Mollaret's meningitis.
- The findings highlight the utility of PCR in diagnosing viral meningitis when traditional cultures are negative.
- Further research into the role of herpesviruses in recurrent meningitis is warranted.