[Is Mollaret's meningitis caused by herpes simplex virus type 2?].

Mollaret's meningitis is characterised by recurrent, brief episodes of serous meningitis with symptom-free intervals. Although viral etiology has been suspected, no pathogenic agent has hitherto been found. Using the immunoblot technique, we found IgG antibodies of intrathecal origin against the HSV-2-specific protein, gG2, in a patient with Mollaret's meningitis. Since being put on prophylactic acyclovir treatment twelve months ago, the patient has had no further episodes of meningitis. Because of the similarities between Mollaret's meningitis, recurrent HSV-2 meningitis, and the findings in the case reported here, HSV-2 is suggested as a possible cause of Mollaret's meningitis in general.