Is serodiagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis safe

We present a case of probable tuberculous meningitis in which serological changes 'diagnostic' of herpes simplex encephalitis were found. Evidence is provided that the serological changes in this case represent a true false positive, and that reliance on clinical plus serological criteria to diagnose herpes simplex encephalitis could result in failure to diagnose and treat tuberculous meningitis.