Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40874473›Full record

ArticleAnnals of African medicine2026

Unraveling Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis: Diagnosis and Management.

Madhulika L Mahashabde, Rishikesh Sunilsingh Chauhan, Gaurav Chaudhari, Sai Krishna Reddy Paidi, P Jugal Sriram

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Annals of African medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Madhulika L MahashabdeDepartment of General Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Rishikesh Sunilsingh Chauhan
Gaurav Chaudhari
Sai Krishna Reddy Paidi
P Jugal Sriram

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

abstractHerpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is a rare but critical neurological condition characterized by acute brain inflammation, primarily affecting the temporal lobes. It is caused by HSVs belonging to either type 1 or type 2. Patients typically present with fever, altered mental status, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. Prompt diagnosis through neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is essential for initiating antiviral therapy and improving patient outcomes. This report describes a 39-year-old male who presented with high-grade fever, neck rigidity, headache, vomiting, disorientation, and episodes of aggression. Neuroimaging revealed a hemorrhagic contusion in the left temporal lobe, whereas CSF analysis confirmed HSV DNA. The patient was started on intravenous acyclovir alongside seizure prophylaxis and supportive care, including antibiotics to rule out bacterial meningitis. Early intervention led to stabilization of symptoms and prevention of complications. During follow-up, the patient demonstrated significant improvement. After 3 weeks of antiviral therapy, his cognitive function improved, with no further seizures or behavioral disturbances. Outpatient follow-up confirmed a near-complete recovery with mild residual cognitive deficits addressed through rehabilitation. This case highlights the importance of recognizing HSV encephalitis, even in atypical presentations such as aggressive behavior and severe cognitive impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment remain critical in reducing morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary approach, incorporating antiviral therapy and long-term follow-up, ensures better outcomes and minimizes the risk of permanent neurological deficits.

Indexed as

AcyclovirAntiviral AgentsEncephalitis, Herpes SimplexAdultHumansMaleNeuroimagingSimplexvirusTreatment OutcomeAcyclovirAntiviral AgentsAntiviralcognitifcognitiveélectroencéphalographieelectroencephalographyinflammationneuroimagerieneuroimagingrééducationrehabilitation

Identifiers

PMID40874473
PMCPMC13249277

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.