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A Cluster of Nosocomial Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Pneumonia in a Medical Intensive Care Unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

Sowjanya Mohan ,
Naveed S. Hamid  and
Burke A. Cunha
Sowjanya Mohan
Affiliation:
Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, andState University of New York School of Medicine Stony Brook, New York
Naveed S. Hamid
Affiliation:
Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, andState University of New York School of Medicine Stony Brook, New York
Burke A. Cunha*
Affiliation:
Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, andState University of New York School of Medicine Stony Brook, New York
*
Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, NY 11501
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Abstract

We report a cluster of 3 cases of nosocomial herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) pneumonia occurring in close temporal and physical proximity during a 1-week period, which suggested a common source. HSV-1 nosocomial pneumonia occurs in immunocompetent intubated patients and presents as otherwise unexplained profound and/or prolonged hypoxemia (decreased FIO2, increased Po2 and decreased A-a gradient) and “failure to wean”. The diagnosis of HSV-1 pneumonia is determined by demonstration of characteristic cytopathologic findings (Cowdry type A inclusion bodies) in distal respiratory epithelial cells from bronchoscopic specimens. Acyclovir therapy results in rapid improvement and ability to wean.

Type
Concise Communications
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 27 , Issue 11 , November 2006 , pp. 1255 - 1257
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2006

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