Acute meningo‐encephalitis in pregnancy—a problem of differential diagnosis

Abstract

Two cases of Coxsackie B viral meningo-encephalitis in pregnant women are described. Both patients recovered well and delivered healthy babies, but because of delay in establishing the aetiology of their infections both mothers, and one child, received acyclovir therapy. The differential diagnosis of non-pyogenic meningo-encephalitis in late pregnancy can present particular problems: clinicians caring for such women should remain aware of the potential for enteroviral infection in their patients, and take appropriate action to prevent cross-infection in neonatal units.