Encephalitis due to herpes simplex type 1 (Q88431)

An inflammatory process of the brain, frequently with evidence of meningeal involvement, due to infection by Herpes simplex type 1 virus. The clinical manifestations are usually acute, but may be subacute, with fever and variable combinations of convulsions, impaired mental state, and focal deficits. There is frequently preferential involvement of the temporal and frontal lobes. The spinal fluid may show a cellular reaction and elevated protein. Diagnosis is by neuroimaging, spinal fluid analysis and culture, PCR, and serologic tests.