A cluster of nosocomial herpes simplex virus type 1 pneumonia in a medical intensive care unit.
We report a cluster of 3 cases of nosocomial herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) pneumonia occurring in close temporal and physical proximity during a 1-week period, which suggested a common source. HSV-1 nosocomial pneumonia occurs in immunocompetent intubated patients and presents as otherwise unexplained profound and/or prolonged hypoxemia (decreased F(IO2), increased P(O2), and decreased A-a gradient) and "failure to wean." The diagnosis of HSV-1 pneumonia is determined by demonstration of characteristic cytopathologic findings (Cowdry type A inclusion bodies) in distal respiratory epithelial cells from bronchoscopic specimens. Acyclovir therapy results in rapid improvement and ability to wean.
Mohan
Sowjanya
S
Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.
Hamid
Naveed S
NS
Cunha
Burke A
BA
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir