Viral encephalitis: epidemiologic, clinical and evolutionary features about a pediatric study

Abstract

Background: Acute viral encephalitis remains a public health problem. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study about all children hospitalized for acute viral encephalitis in the Farhat Hached Paediatrics Department over 15 years. Results: 45 male-dominated patients, mostly in the 5 to 10 year age group. Viral serologies demonstrated recent infection by HSV1 (15.2%), Rubella (32.6%), VZV (17.3%), CMV (10.8%), and EBV (6.5%). The outcome was favorable in 65.2% of cases. Three deaths were recorded. Neurological sequelae were seen in 34.8% of patients. Conclusion: The lack of clinical specificity of acute viral encephalitis makes diagnosis difficult. The prognosis depends on the causal agent and early management.