EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF ENTEROVIRAL (EV) AND HERPETIC (HSV) MENINGITIS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Meningitis and encephalitis are potentially lire threatening infections especially in children. Virtually any infectious agent can cause CNS infection.

Morbidity and mortality depend on the infectious agent, age of the child, general health, and prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Viral meningitis and encephalitis occur as an uncommon complication of systemic viral infection that occurs most frequently in infants and children. EV meningitis can mimic bacterial meningitis, so, it is important to establish the diagnosis of this self limited condition early to avoid unnecessary hospitalization and antibacterial treatment.

Entcroviruses (EVs) especially non plio EVs (NPEV), including echovirus .and coxsackie A and 13 viruses, nrc the most common etiologic agents of aseptic meningitis (A.M) in USA. They arc responsible for 80% to 90% of cases of A.M for which a cause has been identified.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common. cause of sporadic focal CNS disease in USA and the rest of Western world. It accounts for approximately 2-19% of all cases of encephalitis and 0.5- 3% of all cases of A.M.

13ccause an eiTective therapy fm• treatment of HSV-CNS infection have become available, early diagnosis of this condition has a very important role in its clinical management and reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality.

Meningitis and encephalitis are potentially lire threatening infections especially in children. Virtually any infectious agent can cause CNS infection.

Morbidity and mortality depend on the infectious agent, age of the child, general health, and prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Viral meningitis and encephalitis occur as an uncommon complication of systemic viral infection that occurs most frequently in infants and children. EV meningitis can mimic bacterial meningitis, so, it is important to establish the diagnosis of this self limited condition early to avoid unnecessary hospitalization and antibacterial treatment.

Entcroviruses (EVs) especially non plio EVs (NPEV), including echovirus .and coxsackie A and 13 viruses, nrc the most common etiologic agents of aseptic meningitis (A.M) in USA. They arc responsible for 80% to 90% of cases of A.M for which a cause has been identified.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common. cause of sporadic focal CNS disease in USA and the rest of Western world. It accounts for approximately 2-19% of all cases of encephalitis and 0.5- 3% of all cases of A.M.

13ccause an eiTective therapy fm• treatment of HSV-CNS infection have become available, early diagnosis of this condition has a very important role in its clinical management and reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality.