Antiviral therapy for herpesvirus central nervous system infections: Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection, herpes simplex encephalitis, and congenital cytomegalovirus infection

• Published in: Antiviral research 2009-09, Vol.83 (3), p.207-213
• Main Authors: James, Scott H., Kimberlin, David W., Whitley, Richard J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Antibiotics. Antiinfectious agents. Antiparasitic agents; Antiviral agents; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections - drug therapy; Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex - drug therapy; Herpes Simplex - drug therapy; Herpes simplex virus; Herpesvirus; Herpesvirus central nervous system; Human viral diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Viral diseases; Viral diseases with cutaneous or mucosal lesions and viral diseases of the eye
• ISSN: 0166-3542; 1872-9096
• DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.04.010

Herpesvirus infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, including long-term neurologic sequelae. Among the family of herpesviruses, the most significant CNS infections are due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The onset of HSV CNS infection can occur in neonates as well as older children and adults. CNS infection associated with CMV occurs predominantly in the perinatal period, but may also be seen rarely in children and adults, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Although advances in antiviral agents have led to improved outcomes, there is still a need for more effective treatments.