Herpes simplex virus-1 encephalitis in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

OBJECTIVE: To study the proportion of HSV-1 encephalitis in acute viral encephalitis. METHODS: One hundred and five patients presenting with clinical diagnosis of acute viral encephalitis and with exclusion of other possible causes of acute inflammatory brain disease prevalent in the area by relevant laboratory investigations were included in the study. Ninety single CSF samples were tested for HSV-1 IgM antibodies by ELISA test supplied by Dia Medix Corporation, USA. CT Scan and EEG studies were carried out in 25 patients. RESULTS: Clinical and neuro investigational profile of patients suggested a low incidence of HSV-1 encephalitis in the study group. IgM antibodies were present in CSF sample of one patient only. CONCLUSION: HSV-1 encephalitis constitutes a very low proportion (1.1%) of acute viral encephalitis cases seen in Eastern Uttar Pradesh (India).