Disseminated Herpesvirus hominis 2 infection following drug overdose

Fatal disseminated herpesvirus hominis type 2 infection developed in a 24-year-old woman with psychiatric disease. The primary site of virus entry appeared to be the upper respiratory tract, although the cervix and anus could have been primary sites. Dissemination of infection was facilitated by steroid therapy. An endotracheal tube may have increased spread to the lower respiratory tract and an intrauterine device may have aided spread to the uterus. Intranuclear inclusion body-bearing cells in the respiratory secretions should alert the clinician to possible herpesvirus disease, local and disseminated, even in the nonimmunecompromised patient.