Abstract

Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE) is life-threatening viral encephalitis in pregnancy that significantly associated with poor outcomes in mother and infant. A 22-year-old 25 weeks pregnant woman presented with fever and seizure that was suspected to HSE. At first, MRI and Lumbar Puncture (LP) helped in the diagnosis, and however the PCR test confirmed HSE. What is interesting about this case is that the patient had no positive history of HSV before her pregnancy. From her hospital stay to confirming the lab test, she developed progressively worsening despite treating with early administration of acyclovir. Finally, she was successfully treated. No physical or psychological consequences remained. Later, she delivered via cesarean section and gave birth to a healthy infant. As soon as the HSE is suspected in pregnancy, the onset of early antiviral therapy reduces physical and psychosocial consequences.

Keywords: Encephalitis; Herpes simplex; Acyclovir; Pregnancy; Seizures; Temporal lobe