Prognostic Factors and Clinical Features in Patients with Viral Meningitis

Viruses are probably the most common cause of meningitis, with enteroviruses (EV), herpes simplex type 2 (HVS-2), and varicella zoster (VZ) the most common causative pathogens. In about half of patients with presumed viral meningitis, the etiology remains unidentified. Although viral meningitis is often considered a benign disease, incomplete recovery is frequently seen in these patients. A benefit of antiviral treatment with acyclovir in meningitis caused by HSV-2 or VZV is unproven.

In this Danish nationwide, population-based, prospective, observational cohort study, researchers analyzed a total of 1066 episodes of viral meningitis in 1045 patients identified from the Danish Study Group of Infections of the Brain database. EV were detected…