Recovery of herpes simplex type 1 from the celiac ganglion after renal transplantation.

Herpes simplex type 1 was recovered from the celiac ganglion of a renal transplant patient who had esophageal lesions consistent with herpes simplex esophagitis as well as peptic ulcers requiring operation. We speculate that the virus got to the celiac ganglion via retrograde spread from the stomach and/or duodenum. Further studies are needed to determine the frequency of HSV involvement in visceral autonomic ganglia and whether by reactivation it could lead to subsequent gastrointestinal ulceration.