ACUTE MENINGOENCEPHALITIS IN PREGNANCY - A PROBLEM OF DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS

Two cases of Coxsackie B viral meningo-encephalitis in pregnant women are described. Both patients recovered well and delivered healthy babi es, but because of delay in establishing the aetiology of their infect ions both mothers, and one child, received acyclovir therapy. The diff erential diagnosis of non-pyogenic meningo-encephalitis in late pregna ncy can present particular problems: clinicians caring for such women should remain aware of the potential for enteroviral infection in thei r patients, and take appropriate action to prevent cross-infection in neonatal units.