Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)

Encephalitis is a severe neurological disease, usually caused by viral infection. Most cases of viral encephalitis have unclear etiology. Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) comprises about 10-20% of cases of viral encephalitis, and is the most common cause of encephalitis with known etiology. HSE is associated with 30% mortality in treated patients, while mortality in the untreated patients is as high as 70%. Rapid and correct diagnosis of HSE is essential for fast introduction of right treatment, which leads to significant reduction in mortality and lowers the risk of neurological complications.