RECURRENT HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS INFECTION IN CNS

Viral encephalitis can be caused by many types of viruses. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 is a sporadic cause of viral encephalitis with high mortality and morbidity. Relapse of encephalitis can occur in up to 10 of patients, manifested by recurrence of clinical symptoms, associated with abnormalities on M.R.I .In addition HSV DNA can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid.We describe a patient with clinical features, M.R.I. findings and CSF PCR of HSV encephalitis, who recovered completely later, had a recurrence at which time also CSF PCR HSV 1 is positive persisting even after 6 months of the second episode.