HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS FROM THE LOWER RESPIRATORY-TRACT IN ADULT RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS SYNDROME

Abstract
Herpes simple virus (HSV) was found in the tracheobronchial secretions of 14 of 46 (30%) consecutive patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this study, diagnosis during life was initially made by identification of the characteristic inclusion bodies of HSV in bronchial epithelial cells obtained from tracheobronchial aspiration. The presence of HSV in the lower respiratory tract was associated with the need for more prolonged respiratory support and an increased late mortality.