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Herpes meningitis is typically self-limiting over 2 weeks without treatment. However, empirical use of antiviral medications such as acyclovir are considered in cases of suspected HSV meningitis to prevent progression to the more rapid and fatal HSV meningoencephalitis. [7] HSV-2 is the most common herpes virus that causes meningitis. [3]
[2] About 90% of cases of herpes encephalitis are caused by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the same virus that causes cold sores. According to a 2006 estimate, 57% of American adults were infected with HSV-1, [3] which is spread through droplets, casual contact and sometimes sexual contact, though most infected people never have cold sores.
Causes of encephalitis include viruses such as herpes simplex virus and rabies virus as well as bacteria, fungi, or parasites. [1] [2] Other causes include autoimmune diseases and certain medications. [2] In many cases the cause remains unknown. [2] Risk factors include a weak immune system. [2]
Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are two members of the human Herpesviridae family, a set of viruses that produce viral infections in the majority of humans. [1] [2] Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are very common and contagious. They can be spread when an infected person begins shedding the virus.
'brain'; and the medical suffix -itis, "inflammation"), also known as herpes meningoencephalitis, is a medical condition that simultaneously resembles both meningitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the meninges, and encephalitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the brain tissue.
Treatment is usually supportive in nature while also providing antiviral drug therapy. The primary exception to this is herpes simplex encephalitis, which is treatable with acyclovir. Prognosis is good for most individuals who are infected by an encephalitic virus but is poor among those who develop severe symptoms, including viral encephalitis.