Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis: An Update
Journal Title: Mediterranean Journal of Infection, Microbes and Antimicrobials - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 1
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most frequent cause of sporadic infective encephalitis in adults. Despite antiviral therapies, the case fatality rate is moderate to high (5 to 30% according studies and countries). Tools for diagnosis are specific polymerase chain reaction testing of the cerebrospinal fluid on one hand and magnetic resonance imaging on the other hand. Guidelines of various countries recommend systematic treatment by acyclovir 10 mg/kg, three times a day, starting before microbiological confirmation. The remaining question is the usefulness of corticosteroids. This question is related to the frequency of late sequalae (30 to 40% of patients) and the recent demonstration of auto-immune encephalitis triggered by HSV encephalitis. These two possible complications suggest the usefulness of steroids as prophylactic treatment but specific clinical trials are needed for confirmation. Genetic features were recently identified, explaining encephalitis occurrence in some patients, but do not explain all cases so far.
Authors and Affiliations
Jean Paul STAHL, Alexandra MAILLES
Keywords
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- EP ID EP689324
- DOI 10.4274/mjima.2018.24
- Views 106
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