CHRONIC MENINGITIS DUE TO HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) typically causes mucocutaneous disease, enc ephalitis, and acute meningitis. There have been no previous reports o f chronic meningitis due to this virus. A case of chronic meningitis d ue to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in a previously healthy 35-y ear-old woman whose predominant symptoms were headache and meningism w ithout fever is described. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revea led a lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated protein, and hypoglycorrhachia . The diagnosis of herpes simplex meningitis was supported by the dete ction of HSV-2 DNA in CSF by polymerase chain reaction and by intrathe cal production of HSV-specific antibody. The patient recovered after t reatment with intravenous acyclovir and glucocorticoids.