title: Is serodiagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis safe?
abstract: We present a case of probable tuberculous meningitis in which serological changes 'diagnostic' of herpes simplex encephalitis were found. Evidence is provided that the serological changes in this case represent a true false positive, and that reliance on clinical plus serological criteria to diagnose herpes simplex encephalitis could result in failure to diagnose and treat tuberculous meningitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Regional Hospital, Galway, Irish Republic.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Coghlan
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Monaghan
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Carney
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Moran
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D012698:Serologic Tests; D014390:Tuberculosis, Meningeal / Q000175:diagnosis*