Recurrent HSV-2 Meningitis: A Case of Mollaret’s Meningitis Misdiagnosed for Years

We present a rare case of Mollaret's meningitis in a middle-aged man who experienced recurrent episodes of aseptic meningitis over several years, repeatedly misdiagnosed and treated empirically without definitive virological confirmation. Diagnosis was eventually established by detecting herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Awareness of this condition and prompt PCR testing facilitated appropriate antiviral therapy and avoidance of unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics. This case highlights the importance of considering HSV-2 in patients with recurrent lymphocytic meningitis and educating them about the benign, recurrent nature of this syndrome.