Herpes Simplex Virus–Associated Sepsis in a Previously Infected Immunocompetent Adult
Authors: George Zahariadis, Keith R. Jerome, Lawrence Corey
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2003)

Letters15 July 2003Herpes Simplex Virus–Associated Sepsis in a Previously Infected Immunocompetent AdultGeorge Zahariadis, MD, Keith R. Jerome, MD, PhD, and Lawrence Corey, MDGeorge Zahariadis, MDUniversity of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA 98195 (Zahariadis, Jerome, Lawrence)Search for more papers by this author, Keith R. Jerome, MD, PhDUniversity of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA 98195 (Zahariadis, Jerome, Lawrence)Search for more papers by this author, and Lawrence Corey, MDUniversity of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA 98195 (Zahariadis, Jerome, Lawrence)Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-139-2-200307150-00020 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail Editor's Note:The lead author of the following Clinical Observation was one of a dozen Associates of the American College of Physicians selected to present a clinical vignette at the 2002 Annual Session in Philadelphia. We are proud to present this case report through a special arrangement with the Council of Associates of the College.TO THE EDITOR:Background: Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome due to a suspected or proven infection. Bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses can cause sepsis.Objective: To report a case suggesting that herpes simplex virus (HSV), a common, treatable virus, might cause sepsis syndrome.Case ...References1. Cook CH, Yenchar JK, Kraner TO, Davies EA, Ferguson RM. Occult herpes family viruses may increase mortality in critically ill surgical patients. Am J Surg. 1998;176:357-60. [PMID: 9817255] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. Martinez E, de Diego A, Paradis A, Perpina M, Hernandez M. Herpes simplex pneumonia in a young immunocompetent man. Eur Respir J. 1994;7:1185-8. [PMID: 7925891] MedlineGoogle Scholar3. Prellner T, Flamholc L, Haidl S, Lindholm K, Widell A. Herpes simplex virusthe most frequently isolated pathogen in the lungs of patients with severe respiratory distress. Scand J Infect Dis. 1992;24:283-92. [PMID: 1324521] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. Tuxen DV, Cade JF, McDonald MI, Buchanan MR, Clark RJ, Pain MC. Herpes simplex virus from the lower respiratory tract in adult respiratory distress syndrome. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1982;126:416-9. [PMID: 6289702] MedlineGoogle Scholar5. Alexopoulou L, Holt AC, Medzhitov R, Flavell RA. Recognition of double-stranded RNA and activation of NF-kappaB by Toll-like receptor 3. Nature. 2001;413:732-8. [PMID: 11607032] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: George Zahariadis, MD; Keith R. Jerome, MD, PhD; Lawrence Corey, MDAffiliations: University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA 98195 (Zahariadis, Jerome, Lawrence)Acknowledgments: The authors thank Drs. Janine Maenza and David Koelle for active discussion.Grant Support: Dr. Zahariadis is a recipient of a Canadian Institutes of Health Research fellowship award. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byCorticosteroids for viral myocarditisRespiratory viral sepsis: epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatmentPlatelets release pathogenic serotonin and return to circulation after immune complex-mediated sequestrationDisseminated Primary Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection in a 22-Year-Old maleHerpes Simplex Viruses and Herpes B VirusSepsis and hepatitis together with herpes simplex esophagitis in an immunocompetent adultDisseminated HSV-1 in a five-year-old immunocompetent child: Case reportSepsis associated with immunosuppressive medications: An evidence-based review 15 July 2003Volume 139, Issue 2Page: 153-154KeywordsAcute respiratory distress syndromeAntibioticsBacteriaBronchoalveolar lavageHerpes simplexImmune responseLesionsPathogensSepsisViremia ePublished: 15 July 2003 Issue Published: 15 July 2003 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2003 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...