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Neuropediatrics 1986; 17(4): 217-220
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1052533
CASE REPORTS

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Herpes Simplex Type II Encephalitis in Infancy Presenting with Focal Encephalitis*

H.  Reich , Marilyn  Menegus , Shu-Ren  Lin , F.  Horner , J.  McDonald
  • Department of Pediatrics, Microbiology, Radiology and Neurosurgery, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14620, USA
* In part presented at 12th World Congress of Neurology, September 20-25, 1981, Kyoto, Japan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 May 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Herpes virus was recovered from a throat swab, nasopharyngeal washings as well as from brain tissue from a six-month-old infant, who presented with fever, left focal seizures and an enhancing right frontal CT-scan lesion. Cytopathic effect (CPE) as seen with genital herpetic infection was seen, suggesting HSV-2. Immunofluorescent typing of the virus isolate confirmed HSV-2. Early IgM positivity preceding a CF and SN titer rise was observed. The patient received a course of ARA-A and recovered with a left sided hemiparesis. HSV-2 encephalitis occurs beyond the newborn period as a primary infection. In adults however HSV-2 encephalitis occurs predominantly in the immunocompromised host. HSV-1 encephalitis probably is due to reactivation of a latent herpetic infection in previous virus exposed juvenile or adult immunocompetent hosts.

Key words

Herpes simplex type II - Infancy - Focal encephalitis