Snapshot A 36-year-old man presents to the emergency department with lethargy and confusion. His symptoms began approximately 2 days ago when he experienced a headache, memory impairment, vomiting, and fever. His temperature is 101°F (38.3°C), blood pressure is 144/95 mmHg, pulse is 104/min, and respirations are 18/min. The patient has an altered level of consciousness on the physical exam. A non-contrast CT scan of the head is unremarkable. A lumbar puncture is performed and the patient is started on antibiotics. Cerebrospinal fluids results return with a mononuclear pleocytosis, elevated red blood cells and protein, and normal glucose. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is positive for herpes simplex virus 2. The patient's empiric treatment has been narrowed to acyclovir. (Herpes simplex encephalitis) Introduction Mechanism of action login to view 3 more bullets Mechanism of resistance login to view 2 more bullets Clinical use login to view 2 more bullets Adverse effects login to view 3 more bullets