Abstract

Sara Lhassani*, Yasmine Mimouni, Jehanne Aasfara, Asmaa Hazim and Hamid Ouhabi

ABSTRACT

Mollaret's meningitis, a rare condition primarily caused by HSV-2, presents with sudden aseptic meningitis episodes followed by complete recovery and unpredictable recurrences. Diagnosis is based on clinical history and PCR confirmation of the virus. Two patients with similar histories of headaches and prior aseptic meningitis episodes were studied. Both had neck stiffness and elevated white blood cell counts in their CSF, which tested positive for HSV-2. They were treated with IV acyclovir and discharged in good health with preventive oral treatment. Recurrent meningitis involves at least two episodes separated by full recovery. HSV-2 remains dormant in neural ganglia and can reactivate, often triggered by stress. Early antiviral therapy is recommended to reduce complications, though it can be withheld for noninfectious cases of Mollaret’s meningitis. Recognizing and following up with these patients can improve treatment and reduce hospitalization time.