Données actuelles sur l'encéphalite herpétique

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a rare but deadly complication of a frequent and mostly benign infection. The prognosis of HSE remains unsatisfactory, despite present diagnostic and therapeutic tools. À better understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms of virus-host interactions is mandatory to improve the management of the disease. The hypothesis of an increased virulence of HSE strains, although rarely investigated, seems unlikely. In contrast, immune genetic factors conferring increased host susceptibility to herpes simplex infection have recently been characterized in a few paediatric HSE cases.