Encephalitis due to Epstein-Barr virus.
Acute encephalitis due to Epstein-Barr virus is described. The initial diagnosis was based on clinical features and a positive Monospot test. Early treatment with intravenous acyclovir was given; steroids were not used. The patient made a rapid and complete recovery from a comatose state. The effectiveness of acyclovir in this condition remains unproven but early treatment is recommended in severely ill patients whose prognosis is uncertain.
Bhatti
N
N
Division of Communicable Diseases, Nortwick Park Hospital, Middlesex, U.K.
Larson
E
E
Hickey
M
M
Seal
D
D
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000293:Adolescent; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010400:Penicillin G / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D010400:Penicillin G; D000212:Acyclovir