Primary herpes simplex virus type 1 infection with acute liver failure in solid organ transplantation: Report of three cases and review
Carolt Arana, Frederic Cofán, Pablo Ruíz, Evelyn Hermida, Javier Fernández, Jordi Colmenero, Xavier Forns, Laia Escudé, David Cucchiari, Asunción Moreno, Marta Bodro, Sabina Herrera, Camino Rodriguez, David Paredes, Fritz Diekmann
Abstract
Herpes virus infections is not uncommon in solid organ transplantation patients. We report 3 cases with primary Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV1) infection with acute liver failure (ALF). This is a rare and potentially fatal entity that could be a donor-derived infection. Although the initial clinical presentation is non-specific, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in HSV-negative serology patients with liver failure and empirical treatment must be started in combination with a drastic reduction of immunosuppression. A strategy of HSV prophylaxis for pre-transplant HSV seronegative patients must be stablished in order to reduce the risk of clinical disease.