A case of recurrent herpes simplex 2 encephalitis, VZV reactivations, and dominant partial interferon-gamma-receptor-1 deficiency supports relevance of IFNgamma for antiviral defense in humans

Julia Körholz; Nicole Richter; Jochen Schäfer; Catharina Schuetz; Joachim Roesler

doi:10.1186/s40348-020-00106-4

A case of recurrent herpes simplex 2 encephalitis, VZV reactivations, and dominant partial interferon-gamma-receptor-1 deficiency supports relevance of IFNgamma for antiviral defense in humans

Mol Cell Pediatr. 2020 Oct 14;7(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s40348-020-00106-4.

Authors

Julia Körholz¹, Nicole Richter², Jochen Schäfer², Catharina Schuetz³, Joachim Roesler³

Affiliations

¹ Children's Department, Immunology, University Hospital Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany. julia.koerholz@ukdd.de.
² Department of Neurology, University Hospital Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
³ Children's Department, Immunology, University Hospital Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.

Abstract

Background: Unlike infections with mycobacteria, reports of unusual viral infections in interferon-gamma-receptor (IFNγR) deficient patients are scarce. Therefore, discussion about increased susceptibility to viral infections in these patients is ongoing.

Case presentation: We describe a 51-year-old male with dominant partial interferon-gamma-receptor-1 (IFNγR1)-deficiency and recurrent Herpes simplex 2 meningoencephalitis as well as other viral reactivations since childhood.

Conclusions: This case further confirms an enhanced risk for viral disease in IFNγR-deficient patients and a role of interferon gamma for human antiviral defense.

Keywords: HSV2-meningoencephalitis; IFNγR-deficiency; Viral infections.

Grants and funding

IN-1502335/SLUB Dresden