Does HSV in Lavage Fluid of Ventilated Patients Warrant Antiviral Treatment?

Thirty-day survival was higher after antivirals in this retrospective study.

In critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients, herpes simplex virus (HSV) can frequently be detected in the respiratory tract. Whether this represents an insignificant viral reactivation or a marker for disease severity, or whether it contributes to lung injury and sepsis — and thus warrants antiviral treatment — is a matter of controversy (NEJM JW Infect Dis Aug 2007 and Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007; 175:935; NEJM JW Infect Dis Dec 2010 and Infection 2010; 38:401). A retrospective investigation involving 306 patients from four intensive care units (ICUs) in a single medical center who received mechanical ventilation between January 2011 and December 2017 adds another piece to the puzzle. All patients had a positive HSV polymerase c…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Does HSV in Lavage Fluid of Ventilated Patients Warrant Antiviral Treatment?

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Reviewing Author