Adult meningitis caused by herpes viruses

Meningitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Whilst we know the best treatment for bacterial meningitis, doctors are unclear on the best treatment for viral meningitis as it has been relatively neglected in terms of research.

However, it is still an important cause of illness. Some patients that recover from meningitis keep having further attacks (relapses) for years ahead; others have memory and concentration problems. Herpes viruses (herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and varicella zoster virus) are among the most common causes of viral meningitis, but other viruses, particularly enteroviruses are also important, and in many patients the cause is not known.

The antiviral drug aciclovir is useful for some diseases caused by herpes viruses, e.g. shingles. However we don’t know if this drug is good for meningitis. Hence some doctors admit all adults with viral meningitis to hospital for aciclovir, whilst others say this is unnecessary and risks side effects. Instead they send patients home.

This study will look at adults with suspected viral meningitis in the North West Region of England. Researchers will see how much meningitis is due to herpes viruses, how long patients have symptoms, how long it takes to recover and what the costs are to the patient and also to society. They will also use new molecular techniques to try and improve diagnosis. With better data on herpes virus meningitis, they will then plan a future treatment trial.

Paula Scarlett, an MRF member who herself had viral meningitis in 2010 is on the steering committee for the trial. Her role is to be a patient representative and make sure that the study is conducted with the patients in mind.

MRF is funding the Meningitis North West study. On the research group’s website you can find more information about the study, including regular newsletters with updates on how work is progressing.