Herpes simplex virus type 2 encephalitis in critically ill adults: A retrospective analysis of EURECA and Herpetics cohort studies
Authors' conclusion
Encephalitis caused by HSV-2 represent a consistent proportion of severe HSE. Clinical presentation and outcomes and broadly comparable to those of HSV-1 cases
Study context
- Population
- Critically ill adults with herpes simplex encephalitis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)
- Participants
- 285 adults
- Exposure
- HSV-2 vs HSV-1 encephalitis
- HSV-2n = 17
- Outcome
- Unfavourable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3-6)
- Follow-up
- 3 months
Methodological detailsmulticentre, analysis of two cohorts (EURECA and Herpetics)
- Multicentre
- Analysis of two cohorts (EURECA and Herpetics)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Unfavourable outcome
P = 0.25
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Immunocompromised status
P = 0.13
Brain MRI abnormalities
P = 0.01
Duration of IV acyclovir
P = 0.04
| Outcome | HSV-2 | HSV-1 | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV infection | 17.6 | 1.5% | P < 0.01 |
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings
- Similar CSF findings in HSV-2 and HSV-1
Original publication
Herpes simplex virus type 2 encephalitis in critically ill adults: A retrospective analysis of EURECA and Herpetics cohort studies. Crit Care. Published 13 March 2026. doi:10.
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