Herpes Encephalitis Research Paper

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Herpesviral encephalitis
Herpesviral encephalitis is encephalitis due to herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex encephalitis is a viral infection of the human central nervous system. It is estimated to affect at least 1 in 500,000 individuals per century and some studies suggest an incidence rate of 5.9 cases per 100,000 live births. The majority of cases of herpes encephalitis are caused by herpes simplex virus-1, the same virus that causes cold sores. 57% of American adults are infected with HSV-1, which is spread through droplets, casual contact, and sometimes sexual contact, though most infected people never have cold sores. About 10% of cases of herpes encephalitis are due to HSV-2, which is typically spread through sexual contact. About …show more content…

It is most often caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) which is the same virus that causes common cold sores, though it can be caused by HSV – 2, which is the same virus that presents as genital herpes. Herpes encephalitis is the most common cause of sporadic fatal encephalitis worldwide. In nearly all cases of herpes encephalitis beyond the neonatal period, the etiologic agent is herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). In neonates, herpes encephalitis may be caused by either HSV-1 or HSV-2. Immediate CNS invasion via the trigeminal nerve or olfactory tract following an episode of primary HSV-1 of the oropharynx; most patients with primary infection are younger than 18 years of age. CNS invasion after an episode of recurrent HSV-1 infection, which is believed to represent viral reactivation with subsequent spread
3. The most common symptoms of herpes encephalitis are fever, headache, and altered consciousness including memory loss. In children older than 3 month and adults, usually localized in the temporal and frontal lobes.
4. Herpes encephalitis is swelling of the brain due to the herpes simplex virus. A normal and healthy brain is a spongy organ made up of nerve and supportive tissue. It is the main control center for the body and is connected to the spinal cord.
5. When infected with herpes encephalitis, the

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