1/2. Influenza encephalopathy associated with infection with human herpesvirus 6 and/or human herpesvirus 7.Influenza-associated encephalopathy is often reported in young Japanese children, but its pathogenesis is unknown. Although influenza virus can be demonstrated by throat culture for patients with encephalopathy, cultures of samples of cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) do not yield the virus. Eight patients with encephalopathy or complicated febrile convulsions had influenza virus infection diagnosed by means of culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or rapid diagnosis using throat swabs. In all 8 cases, the results of PCR testing of CSF specimens for influenza virus were negative. On the other hand, human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) dna was demonstrated in CSF specimens obtained from 2 of 8 patients. In 3 of 8 patients, the presence of human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) dna was demonstrated in CSF specimens. Some cases of influenza-associated encephalopathy reported in japan may be attributable to a dual infection with influenza virus and HHV-6, -7, or both. Another possibility is that latent HHV-6 or HHV-7 in the brain is reactivated by influenza, causing encephalopathy or febrile convulsions.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = herpesvirus (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/2. Postinfectious myeloradiculoneuropathy with cranial nerve involvements associated with human herpesvirus 7 infection.BACKGROUND: infection with human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) generally results in a febrile illness with accompanying exanthema subitum. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain and describe the role of HHV-7 in a case of acute myeloradiculoneuropathy. PATIENT: A previously healthy young man with complaints of motor weakness, dysphasia, and nasal voice. methods: Serological examinations were performed with the patient's serum. We also examined virus genome dna in cerebrospinal fluid by regular and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, we checked the antiganglioside antibody level in the patient's serum samples by the immunoblot analysis. RESULTS: Serological studies revealed significant change in titers of antibodies against cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and HHV-7, but only HHV-7 genome was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, with its disappearance after therapy. No antiganglioside antibody was detected in the patient's serum. CONCLUSION: The unique clinical picture of the present patient might be closely related to the reactivation of HHV-7 in the nervous system.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = herpesvirus (Clic here for more details about this article) |