title: [Herpes simplex virus infection of the central nervous system].
abstract: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1) infection in the central nervous system results in encephalitis with high mortality and morbidity. However herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2) infection in this area usually results in benign meningitis. Brain biopsy is the most sensitive and most specific method for diagnosing HSV 1 encephalitis. Antibody determinations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid give only a retrospective diagnosis. A rapid non-invasive diagnostic test is urgently required as an alternative to biopsy. Cerebrospinal fluid viral culture may be of great help in diagnosing HSV 2 meningitis. Acyclovir given intravenously is the treatment of choice for HSV encephalitis. In the case of HSV 2 meningitis no studies have been conducted on systemic antiviral therapy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Aukrust
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Haugtomt
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D004671:Encephalitis, Arbovirus / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans
vernacular_title: Herpes simplex virus infeksjon i sentralnervesystemet.