Disseminated herpes simplex type-2 (HSV-2) infection after solid-organ transplantation

Infection. 2008 Feb;36(1):62-4. doi: 10.1007/s15010-007-6366-7. Epub 2007 Dec 28.

Abstract

We report on three cases of severe disseminated Herpes simplex type-2 (HSV-2) infection that occurred in two orthotopic liver-transplant (OLT) and one renal-transplant patients. In two cases, i.e., in the OLT patients, this was associated with HSV-2-related acute hepatitis. The rapid onset of IV acyclovir (ACV) therapy led to recovery within 8-12 days. Although rare, HSV-2-disseminated infection, in the context of organ transplantation may be life-threatening, but can be cured if ACV therapy is initiated early in the course of this disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / administration & dosage
  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Herpes Simplex / diagnosis
  • Herpes Simplex / drug therapy
  • Herpes Simplex / etiology*
  • Herpes Simplex / pathology
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology
  • Postoperative Complications / virology*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Acyclovir