RESPIRATORY HERPES-VIRUS INFECTIONS IN AD ULTS

Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) 1 and 2 exhibit tropism for mucosal and n eurologic tissues. Reactivation is extremely prevalent and call be pre cipitated by a range of local and systemic factors. Respiratory HSV in fection can manifest as tracheobronchitis with bronchospasm and blocka ge by thick secretions, as focal necrotizing pneumonitis due to spread of the HSV from an adjacent focus, or as diffuse interstitial pneumon ia due to hematogeneous spread and usually accompanied with extrapulmo nary involvement. Adult respiratory distress syndrome with presence of the HSV is discussed. Cytologic, histologic, and serologic tests of u se for the diagnosis are reviewed, as well as more recent techniques u sing monoclonal antibodies or PCR technology. The management, which re sts on aciclovir and its derivates, is discussed.