Hepatitis in an adult caused by Herpes simplex virus type I

Abstract

Disseminated infection caused by Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I is described in a previously healthy adult. The clinical course was characterized by progressive hepatic failure, fever, hypotension, atypical lymphocytosis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. No skin lesions were present and the causal agent was not suspended premortem; however, HSV-I was isolated from autopsy liver, and characteristic histopathological lesions of herpes infection were observed in liver and esophagus.