Ann Infect Dis Epidemiol | Volume 2, Issue 2 | Case Report | Open Access
Ivaylo Nikolaev Pakov, Galya Ivanova Gancheva* and Tsetsa Georgieva Doichinova
Department of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Medical University-Pleven, Bulgaria
*Correspondance to: Galya Ivanova Gancheva
Fulltext PDFHerpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is one of the most devastating infections of central nervous system (CNS), associated with high mortality and severe neurologic sequels among survivors. Detection of HSV-DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by PCR is the “gold standard” for confirmation of diagnosis. Clinical Case: thirteen-year-old girl became sick with sub-febrile temperature, catarrhal symptoms and hearing loss followed by behavioral changes. On admission, she was inadequate and excited. Neurologic examination found no signs of meningeal irritation. Laboratory investigations revealed normal blood and CSF parameters; positive HSV-2-DNA in CSF by PCR; normal cranial CT-scan. Electroencephalography registered signs of ictal episodes. Intensive treatment including acyclovir was performed. After 30-days-hospital period with persistent agitation, the patient was discharged with unchanged psychotic status. One-month-follow-up control examination did not show improvement, but one month later all psychotic symptoms suddenly disappeared.
Conclusion: Awareness for HSE and early initiation of acyclovir therapy are crucial for favorable outcome.
Herpes simplex virus type 2; Herpes simplex encephalitis; PCR of CSF; Acyclovir
Pakov IN, Gancheva GI, Doichinova TG. Encephalitis Caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, Successfully Treated with Acyclovir: Case Report. Ann Infect Dis Epidemiol. 2017;2(2):1016.