HERPES SIMPLEX ENCEPHALITIS

Course overview

HERPES SIMPLEX ENCEPHALITIS IS CAUSED BY HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 1(HSV-1) OR TYPE 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 CAUSES ENCEPHALITIS IN CHILDREN BEYOND THE NEONATAL PERIOD AS WELL AS IN ADULTS, AND IT IS THE MOST COMMON ETIOLOGY FOR SPORADIC NON-SEASONAL ENCEPHALITIS ACROSS THE WORLD. HSV-2 COMMONLY CAUSES ENCEPHALITIS IN NEONATES AND THE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED. HERPES SIMPLEX ENCEPHALITIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH SIGNIFICANT MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN DESPITE ANTIVIRAL TREATMENT. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HERPES SIMPLEX ENCEPHALITIS, ALSO STRESSING THE NEED FOR CLOSE COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN VARIOUS HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL TEAMS TO ENSURE THE BEST OUTCOME IN INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS.