Herpes simplex encephalitis -A case series

Abstract

The prognosis of Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) depends on the early and appropriate administration of specific antiviral therapy. We retrospectively reviewed 42 children with acute CNS infection, over a period of 18 months, of which 4 were positive for HSV antibodies. All four showed CSF pleocytosis, with mildly elevated protein and rising titers of antibodies to HSV in the CSF. All the 4 cases were started on i.v. acyclovir on day 1 and continued for a total duration of 14 days. The patients responded well to the treatment and on follow up did not show any significant CNS morbidity. The point of presenting this case series is to emphasize the fact that HSE is very fatal encephalitis if left untreated. There are a very few viral encephalitis which have a definite treatment and HSE is one of them.

Keywords

• Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Cerebrospinal fluid CSF

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