Two Fatal Cases of Acute Liver Failure Due to HSV-1 Infection in COVID-19 Patients Following Immunomodulatory Therapies

Clin Infect Dis. 2021 Jul 1;73(1):e252-e255. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1246.

Abstract

We report two fatal cases of acute liver failure secondary to herpes simplex virus 1 infection in COVID-19 patients, following tocilizumab and corticosteroid therapy. Screening for and prompt recognition of herpes simplex virus 1 reactivation in these patients, undergoing immunomodulatory treatment, may have potentially relevant clinical consequences.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Herpes Simplex*
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human*
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation
  • Liver Failure, Acute*
  • SARS-CoV-2