Question

T or F: Although empiric acyclovir treatment may be begun in case the infection is actually caused by herpes simplex or varicella zoster, there is no satisfactory treatment for any of the types of encephalitis caused by arboviruses

Answer 1

True, acyclovir is used to treat herpes simplex virus infections, but there are no antiviral treatments available for encephalitis caused by arboviruses; therefore, treatment is supportive.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is True: While empiric acyclovir treatment may be started if herpes simplex or varicella-zoster infections are suspected, there is indeed no satisfactory treatment to directly target and cure encephalitis caused by arboviruses. Diagnosis of arboviral encephalitis is based on clinical symptoms and serologic testing of serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). As of now, the management of arboviral infections focuses on supportive care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications, since no specific antivirals are available for these diseases. In contrast, acyclovir can be used to manage symptoms of herpes simplex infections by reducing the frequency and severity of outbreaks, even though it is not curative as the virus stays latent in the body.

Answer 2

True, there is no satisfactory treatment for any types of encephalitis caused by arboviruses. Supportive care and management of symptoms are the main approaches to treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

T or F: Although empiric acyclovir treatment may be begun in case the infection is actually caused by herpes simplex or varicella zoster, there is no satisfactory treatment for any of the types of encephalitis caused by arboviruses.

True, there is no satisfactory treatment for any of the types of encephalitis caused by arboviruses. Arboviral encephalitis is caused by insect-borne viruses and includes diseases such as eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and West Nile encephalitis. Supportive care and management of symptoms are the main approaches to treatment.