[Herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis].
BACKGROUND
Herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis (HSE) is the most frequent cause of severe sporadic viral encephalitis. In spite of the advanced modern methods for the treatment of HSE it is still associated with high mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt antiviral therapy with acyclovir are essential to improve prognosis and to prevent severe neurologic sequels.


OBJECTIVE
This review summarizes the current knowledge on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical presentation, and treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis. Characteristic features including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are illustrated by a typical case.
Neurologische Klinik, Kliniken der Stadt Köln, Krankenhaus Merheim, Köln. Kuhnj@kliniken-koeln.de
Jens
J
Kuhn
Ulrike
U
Wieland
Werner
W
Müller
Heiko
H
Bewermeyer
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004569:Electroencephalography; D020803:Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D013997:Time Factors
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir