Issue: 2020 > September > case report

HLH caused by an HSV-2 infection: a case report and review of the literature



CASE REPORT
E.M. Jongbloed, M.A.W. Hermans, M. Wabbijn, J.J.A. van Kampen, J.A.M. van Laar
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Abstract

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hyperinflammatory condition that can be triggered by infections, malignancies, or auto-immune diseases. Here, we present a patient with rapidly progressive HLH triggered by a herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) primary infection. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous high-dose acyclovir, immunoglobulins, and dexamethasone. This is the first report of HSV-2-associated HLH in an immunocompetent adult patient.