Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE) is the most common cause of fatal sporadic acute encephalitis occurring worldwide, contributing to 10-20% cases of viral encephalitis. It occurs as 2 distinct entities: Localised encephalitis in children older than 3 months and in adults: Usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) Generalised encephalitis commonly seen in neonates: Usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 acquired from maternal genital tract. Atypical presentation may be seen in immunocompromised.
In India due to the lack of awareness the exact prevalence and incidence of HSE goes undetermined, even though viral encephalitis causes significant mortality and debilitating residual neurological deficit in the survivors. With an upsurge of AIDS, HSE may perhaps emerge as an important opportunistic infection in near future. Diagnosis of HSE Clinical features of HSE are varied…
