Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Encephalitis

Notes

Herpes viruses (HSV, VZV) remain the predominant cause of treatable encephalitis.

Have a low threshold to treat if suspected, as untreated mortality exceeds 70%

Common Pathogen

Herpes simplex

Initial Empiric Treatment

Acyclovir 10mg/kg IV every 8 hr