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Chronic meningitis due to herpes simplex virus in an immunocompetent host

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Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) typically causes mucocutaneous disease, encephalitis, and acute meningitis. There have been no previous reports of chronic meningitis due to this virus. A case of chronic meningitis due to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in a previously healthy 35-year-old woman whose predominant symptoms were headache and meningism without fever is described. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed a lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated protein, and hypoglycorrhachia. The diagnosis of herpes simplex meningitis was supported by the detection of HSV-2 DMA in CSF by polymerase chain reaction and by intrathecal production of HSV-specific antibody. The patient recovered after treatment with intravenous acyclovir and glucocorticoids.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yarra Bend Road, 3078, Fairfield, Victoria, Australia

    R. H. Chin, K. I. Taylor, A. P. Yung & P. D. R. Johnson

  2. Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Studley Road, 3084, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia

    R. H. Chin

  3. Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, 3052, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

    B. C. Ross

Authors
  1. R. H. Chin
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  2. B. C. Ross
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  3. K. I. Taylor
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  4. A. P. Yung
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  5. P. D. R. Johnson
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Chin, R.H., Ross, B.C., Taylor, K.I. et al. Chronic meningitis due to herpes simplex virus in an immunocompetent host. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 15, 650–653 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01691151

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01691151

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