Relapse of herpes simplex encephalitis.

Abstract

This report describes a child with herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis who improved dramatically while being treated with acyclovir but subsequently had neurological deterioration and died. A severe necrotizing process was present in the brain at autopsy but there were no focal areas of demyelination and poor inflammatory response. HSV was not cultured from brain biopsy during relapse or autopsy. Fourteen previous cases of relapsing herpes encephalitis are reviewed and treatment regime and mechanisms of relapse are discussed.

• Authors: M A Barthez, C Billard, J J Santini, M M Ruchoux, M C Grangeponte
• Journal: Neuropediatrics (Neuropediatrics) Vol. 18 Issue 1 Pg. 3-7 (Feb 1987) ISSN: 0174-304X [Print] Germany
• PMID: 3561702 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Acyclovir

Topics

• Acyclovir (therapeutic use)
• Brain (pathology)
• Encephalitis (drug therapy, pathology)
• Female
• Herpes Simplex (drug therapy, pathology)
• Humans
• Infant
• Recurrence