An adult case of parainfectious optic neuritis associated with genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infection

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2020 Nov:198:106200. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106200. Epub 2020 Sep 9.

Abstract

Although acute retinal necrosis (ARN) and optic neuritis following herpes encephalitis are known causes of acute visual impairment associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, there have been no reports of parainfectious optic neuritis associated with genital HSV type 2 (HSV-2) infection. A young Japanese woman developed unilateral optic neuritis 7 days after the onset of genital HSV-2 infection. Ophthalmologic examination revealed no findings suggestive of ARN and both multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica were ruled out by the brain images and serum antibody testing. An oral steroid therapy improved her symptoms. Here, we describe the first case of parainfectious optic neuritis associated with genital HSV-2 infection.

Keywords: Genital herpes; Herpes simplex virus type 2; Parainfectious optic neuritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Herpes Genitalis / complications*
  • Herpes Genitalis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Herpes Genitalis / drug therapy
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Optic Neuritis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Optic Neuritis / drug therapy
  • Optic Neuritis / etiology*
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisolone