Herpes simplex encephalitis

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), or simply herpes encephalitis, is a rare form of encephalitis caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is estimated to affect at least 1 in 500,000 individuals per year, and some studies suggest an incidence rate of 5.9 cases per 100,000 live births. About 90% of cases of herpes encephalitis are caused by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the same virus that causes cold sores. According to a 2006 estimate, 57% of American adults were infected with HSV-1, which is spread through droplets, casual contact and sometimes sexual contact, though most infected people never have cold sores. The other 10% of herpes encephalitis cases are due to HSV-2. Two-thirds of HSE cases occur in individuals already seropositive for HSV-1, few of whom (only 10%) have history of recurrent orofacial herpes, while about one third of cases results from an initial infection by HSV-1, predominantly occurring in individuals under the age of 18. Approximately half of individuals who develop HSE are over 50 years of age. The most common cause for encephalitis in children and adults is HSV-1. However, encephalitis found in newborns and immunocompromised individuals is mainly caused by HSV-2.