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Varicella Zoster Virus (varicella + zoster_virus)
Terms modified by Varicella Zoster Virus Selected AbstractsVaricella Zoster Virus (VZV) in Solid Organ Transplant RecipientsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2009S. A. Pergam First page of article [source] Acyclovir-resistant varicella infection with atypical lesions in a non-HIV leukemic infantACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 12 2000N Crassard ABSTRACT An HIV-negative infant presented with VZV primary infection during the maintenance therapy for mega-karyoblastic leukaemia. The lesions were initially vesicular and necrotic but became verrucous and hyperkerato tic. A clinical resistance to acyclovir was suspected and confirmed by histologic and virologic studies. The patient was successfully treated by foscarnet. Conclusion: resistance of VZV to acyclovir may occur after a short treatment in a non-AIDS patient. ± Acute leukaemia, acyclovir, foscarnet, Varicella zoster virus [source] Asymptomatic reactivation and shed of infectious varicella zoster virus in astronautsJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 6 2008Randall J. Cohrs Abstract Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella (chickenpox), after which virus becomes latent in ganglia along the entire neuraxis. Virus reactivation produces zoster (shingles). Infectious VZV is found in vesicles of patients with zoster and varicella, but virus shed in the absence of disease has not been documented. VZV DNA was previously detected in saliva of astronauts during and after spaceflight, a uniquely stressful environment in which cell mediated immunity (CMI) is temporally dampened. The decline in CMI to VZV associated with zoster led to the hypothesis that infectious VZV would also be present in the saliva of astronauts subjected to stress of spaceflight. Herein, not only was the detection of salivary VZV DNA associated with spaceflight validated, but also infectious virus was detected in saliva from 2 of 3 astronauts. This is the first demonstration of shed of infectious VZV in the absence of disease. J. Med. Virol. 80:1116,1122, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Latent and lytic infection of isolated guinea pig enteric ganglia by varicella zoster virusJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue S1 2003Jason J. Chen Abstract Varicella zoster virus (VZV) has been demonstrated to infect guinea pig enteric neurons in vitro. Latent infection of isolated enteric neurons is established when the cultures predominantly consist of neurons and they are exposed to cell-free VZV. Neurons harboring latent infection survive for weeks in vitro and express mRNA encoding ORFs 4, 21, 29, 40, 62, and 63, but not 14(gC) or 68 (gE) (although DNA encoding the glycoproteins is present). The expressed proteins are the same as those that are also expressed in human sensory neurons harboring latent VZV. In addition to mRNA, the immunoreactivities of ORFs 4, 21, 29, 62, and 63 can be detected. ORF 62 and 29 proteins are cytoplasmic and not intranuclear. VZV does not preferentially infect and/or become latent in intrinsic enteric primary afferent neurons indicating that the virus is latent in these neurons. Lytic infection occurs when mixed cultures of neurons and non-neuronal cells of the bowel wall are exposed to cell-free VZV or when isolated enteric neurons are exposed to cell-associated VZV. When lytic infection occurs, enteric neurons die within 48 hr. Prior to their death, neurons express VZV glycoproteins, including gE and gB, and ORF 62 and 29 proteins are intranuclear. This new animal model should facilitate studies of VZV latency and the efficacy of therapies designed to prevent VZV infecion, latency, and reactivation. J. Med. Virol. 70:S71,S78, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Varicella zoster virus is not a disease-relevant antigen in multiple sclerosis,ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 4 2009Mark P. Burgoon PhD Herpesvirions and varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA were recently reported in all 15 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) obtained within 1 week of exacerbation. Using identical electron microscopic and polymerase chain reaction techniques, including additional primer sets representing different regions of the VZV genome, we found no herpesvirions or VZV DNA in MS CSF or acute MS plaques. Although enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis demonstrated a higher titer of VZV antibody in MS CSF than in inflammatory control samples, recombinant antibodies prepared from clonally expanded MS CSF plasma cells did not bind to VZV. VZV is not a disease-relevant antigen in MS. Ann Neurol 2009;65:474,479 [source] Sight-threatening varicella zoster virus infection after fludarabine treatmentBRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2000Y. L. Chee Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection involving the posterior segment of the eye after fludarabine treatment has not previously been described. Two patients, who had completed fludarabine treatment 3 and 18 months previously, presented with visual loss that had been preceded by a recent history of cutaneous zoster. The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for VZV DNA from ocular specimens allowed rapid confirmation of clinical diagnosis and treatment with a good outcome in one patient. With the increasing use of fludarabine and other purine analogues, an awareness of such complications is important because of their potentially sight-threatening consequences. [source] MS and clinically isolated syndromes: Shared specificity but diverging clonal patterns of virus-specific IgG antibodies produced in vivo and by CSF B cells in vitroEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 10 2009G. Skorstad Background:, Intrathecal synthesis of oligoclonal IgG antibodies against measles virus (MeV), varicella zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) is a characteristic feature multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods:, We have used isoelectric focusing-immunoblot to define the clonal patterns of IgG and of IgG antibodies to MeV, VZV and HSV-1 in supernatants of in vitro cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cells and in sera and CSF from three patients with MS and three patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) suspective of demyelinating disease. Results:,In vitro synthesis of IgG by PBL was not detected in any patient. In contrast, in vitro synthesis by CSF cells of oligoclonal IgG and oligoclonal IgG antibodies to one or two of the three viruses tested was observed in all six patients. The clonal patterns of the in vitro synthesized IgG and virus specific IgG differed to varying extent from those synthesized intrathecally in vivo. However, in each patient, the in vitro and in vivo intrathecally produced antibodies displayed specificity for the same viruses. The addition of B cell activating factor (BAFF) had no effect on the amounts or clonal patterns of either total IgG or virus-specific IgG produced by CSF cells in vitro. Conclusion:, Virus specific B cells capable of spontaneous IgG synthesis are clonally expanded in the CSF of patients with MS. The B-cell repertoire in CSF samples is only partially representative of the intrathecal B-cell repertoire. [source] Comparison of the Tzanck test and polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of cutaneous herpes simplex and varicella zoster virus infectionsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 11 2007Atilla Ozcan MD Background, Although the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections is usually made clinically, the Tzanck test, electron microscopy, viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and serologic tests can be utilized to verify the diagnosis. Methods, We conducted a study on a total of 98 patients (77 patients with recurrent herpes simplex and 21 patients with herpes zoster) to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of the Tzanck test in comparison with PCR. Results, In herpes virus infections, the general positivity rates of the Tzanck test and PCR were 61.2% and 79.6%, respectively. The difference between the positivity rates of the two tests was statistically significant. The positivity rates of the tests differed according to the type and duration of the lesions. Conclusions, Although PCR was superior to the Tzanck test, the Tzanck test has also been proven to be a reliable diagnostic method, with a sensitivity of 76.9% and a specificity of 100%. We recommend the use of this easy, quick, reproducible, and inexpensive diagnostic test more often in dermatologic practice, especially in cutaneous herpes virus infections. [source] Eccrine squamous syringometaplasia mimicking a herpetic infectionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Vicent Alonso MD A 69-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and essential tremor was diagnosed with a Burkitt-like diffuse large-cell lymphoma. She received chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and adriamycin (HyperCVAD). Ten days after starting the second cycle of chemotherapy (HyperCVAD), she presented with well-defined, intense, erythematous macules which coalesced to form a symmetric diffuse erythema located on the upper back. Later, the lesions progressed and affected the lower back and perineal areas, extending to the groin. In a few days, a gradual diminution of the erythema was seen, with subsequent development of postinflammatory gray-brownish hyperpigmentation. On the lower back, there were also superficial erosions. Some asymptomatic, closely grouped, gray papules, vesicles, and blisters were found in the groin, resembling the typical lesions of herpetic infection (Fig. 1). Two biopsies of the groin and one of the upper back were performed, and were processed for histopathologic and microbiologic study. Figure 1. Closely grouped gray papules, vesicles, and blisters on the groin mimicking a herpetic infection The histopathologic study showed epidermal hyperplasia with acanthosis and papillomatosis. In both biopsies, eccrine ducts covered by mature squamous epithelium were found in the reticular dermis (Fig. 2a,c). In the sample from the groin, an intracorneal bulla was found. Numerous normal isolated cornified cells were seen within the lumen of the bulla (Fig. 2d). An inflammatory mononuclear infiltrate was also present in a periductal and perivascular distribution. No multinucleation, ground-glass nuclei, or peripheral margination of chromatin were found. Therefore, no morphologic evidence of herpes virus infection was present. Figure 2. Low (a), medium (b), and high (c) magnification showing epidermal hyperplasia and squamous syringometaplasia involving dermal eccrine ducts. (d) Medium power magnification of the intracorneal bulla (hematoxylin and eosin staining; a, ×40; b, ×100; c, ×400; d, ×100) Cultures and serologic analyses for herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were negative. The lesions were treated with topical corticosteroids, with a good response in a few days. [source] Herpetic Folliculitis is Usually a Consequence of Varicella Zoster Virus InfectionJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005J Blair Skin biopsies of 8 patients diagnosed with herpetic folliculitis by light microscopy were retrieved from the files of the UCSF Dermatopathology Service. Clinical and microscopical features were reviewed and tabulated, and PCR analysis was employed to seek DNA sequences specific for herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV). The study group included 4 women and 4 men, ages 15 to 54. Five patients (62%) were immunosuppressed, with underlying conditions including HIV infection, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus erythematosus with polyarteritis nodosa. Microscopically, herpetic cytopathic changes involved the isthmus in 7/8 cases (87%), and involved the sebaceous apparatus in 4/8 cases (50%). Herpetic viropathic changes were not found within eccrine epithelium. A moderate to dense perifollicular infiltrate, comprised mostly of lymphocytes, was evident in 7/8 cases (87%). After PCR expansion of genetic material extracted from the original paraffin blocks, VZV-specific DNA sequences were detected in 8/8 cases. We conclude that herpetic folliculitis is a consequence of VZV infection. Because follicular herpetic infection is often accompanied by a dense perifollicular lymphoid infiltrate, the microscopical presentation can simulate inflammatory skin diseases such as lupus erythematosus. Level sections may be required for a specific diagnosis to be made. [source] Laser-capture microdissection: Applications in routine molecular dermatopathologyJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2004Amir S. Yazdi Applications for PCR-based diagnostics are particularly helpful for the determination of clonality in cutaneous lymphocytic infiltrates and for detection of infectious agents, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycobacteria, Leishmania, and Treponema pallidum. As biopsies are always composed of different cells, the cells of interest are often only a minor population. As a consequence, their specific DNA is diluted by the majority of contaminating cells. Another problem is the time- and labor-intensive DNA extraction, because usually only formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue is available, which makes molecular diagnostics a time and labor consuming, and consequently a cost-intensive procedure. To overcome these shortcomings and to eventually shorten the time to generate a result, we introduce a laser-capture microdissection (LCM)-based method for the detection of infectious agents and clonality. Only the cells of interest for the particular indication are microdissected (e.g. epidermal cells for HSV and VZV and lymphocytes for clonality analysis) and subjected to PCR amplification. Due to an accelerated DNA-extraction procedure which generates DNA in 5 h (compared to 3,4 days using conventional DNA extraction), we are able to generate a result within one working day. [source] Early and reliable detection of herpes simplex virus type 1 and varicella zoster virus DNAs in oral fluid of patients with idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy: Decision support regarding antiviral treatment?JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 9 2010Andreas Lackner Abstract Idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy has been associated with the reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or varicella zoster virus (VZV). In recent studies, detection rates were found to vary strongly which may be caused by the use of different oral fluid collection devices in combination with molecular assays lacking standardization. In this single-center pilot study, liquid phase-based and absorption-based oral fluid collection was compared. Samples were collected with both systems from 10 patients with acute idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy, 10 with herpes labialis or with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and 10 healthy controls. Commercially available IVD/CE-labeled molecular assays based on fully automated DNA extraction and real-time PCR were employed. With the liquid phase-based oral fluid collection system, three patients with idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy tested positive for HSV-1 DNA and another two tested positive for VZV DNA. All patients with herpes labialis tested positive for HSV-1 DNA and all patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome tested positive for VZV DNA. With the absorption-based oral fluid collection system, detections rates and viral loads were found to be significantly lower when compared to those obtained with the liquid phase-based collection system. Collection of oral fluid with a liquid phase-based system and the use of automated and standardized molecular methods allow early and reliable detection of HSV-1 and VZV DNAs in patients with acute idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy and may provide a valuable decision support regarding start of antiviral treatment at the first clinical visit. J. Med. Virol. 82:1582,1585, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Asymptomatic reactivation and shed of infectious varicella zoster virus in astronautsJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 6 2008Randall J. Cohrs Abstract Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella (chickenpox), after which virus becomes latent in ganglia along the entire neuraxis. Virus reactivation produces zoster (shingles). Infectious VZV is found in vesicles of patients with zoster and varicella, but virus shed in the absence of disease has not been documented. VZV DNA was previously detected in saliva of astronauts during and after spaceflight, a uniquely stressful environment in which cell mediated immunity (CMI) is temporally dampened. The decline in CMI to VZV associated with zoster led to the hypothesis that infectious VZV would also be present in the saliva of astronauts subjected to stress of spaceflight. Herein, not only was the detection of salivary VZV DNA associated with spaceflight validated, but also infectious virus was detected in saliva from 2 of 3 astronauts. This is the first demonstration of shed of infectious VZV in the absence of disease. J. Med. Virol. 80:1116,1122, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Two cases of varicella zoster virus meningitis found in pediatric patients after bone marrow transplantation despite valaciclovir prophylaxis and without skin lesionsJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 4 2006Nicolas Lévêque Abstract Two cases of varicella zoster virus (VZV) meningitis are described in an 18-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy. They occurred, respectively, 9 days and 9 months after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. VZV nucleic acid was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid during the 1st week of illness. This recurrence occured despite valaciclovir prophylaxis and without skin lesions. The two patients received aciclovir intravenously and immunoglobulins infusion. They responded to treatment and their clinical state improved rapidly. J. Med. Virol. 78:514,516, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Are enterovirus infections a co-factor in sudden hearing loss?JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 4 2004Renate Mentel Abstract Since viral infections are believed to be one of the causes of sudden hearing loss we have used serological assays for herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), and enterovirus as well as polymerase chain reaction for enterovirus to test 55 sudden hearing loss patients for viral infections. Serological screening of these patients for HSV and VZV failed to reveal significant differences between the patient group and the controls. In contrast, enterovirus sequences were detected by RT-PCR in 40% of the patient group, but in none of the controls, suggesting that enterovirus infections may be associated with sudden hearing loss. J. Med. Virol. 72:625,629, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Latent and lytic infection of isolated guinea pig enteric ganglia by varicella zoster virusJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue S1 2003Jason J. Chen Abstract Varicella zoster virus (VZV) has been demonstrated to infect guinea pig enteric neurons in vitro. Latent infection of isolated enteric neurons is established when the cultures predominantly consist of neurons and they are exposed to cell-free VZV. Neurons harboring latent infection survive for weeks in vitro and express mRNA encoding ORFs 4, 21, 29, 40, 62, and 63, but not 14(gC) or 68 (gE) (although DNA encoding the glycoproteins is present). The expressed proteins are the same as those that are also expressed in human sensory neurons harboring latent VZV. In addition to mRNA, the immunoreactivities of ORFs 4, 21, 29, 62, and 63 can be detected. ORF 62 and 29 proteins are cytoplasmic and not intranuclear. VZV does not preferentially infect and/or become latent in intrinsic enteric primary afferent neurons indicating that the virus is latent in these neurons. Lytic infection occurs when mixed cultures of neurons and non-neuronal cells of the bowel wall are exposed to cell-free VZV or when isolated enteric neurons are exposed to cell-associated VZV. When lytic infection occurs, enteric neurons die within 48 hr. Prior to their death, neurons express VZV glycoproteins, including gE and gB, and ORF 62 and 29 proteins are intranuclear. This new animal model should facilitate studies of VZV latency and the efficacy of therapies designed to prevent VZV infecion, latency, and reactivation. J. Med. Virol. 70:S71,S78, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Identification and characterization of 20 immunocompetent patients with simultaneous varicella zoster and herpes simplex virus infectionJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 6 2008KA Giehl Abstract Background, It has been shown that varicella zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) can co-localize to the same sensory ganglion. However, only a few case reports on VZV/HSV co-infections exist. Objective,To identify and characterize patients with concurrent VZV and HSV infection at the same body site. Subjects/Methods, In 1718 patients, the presence of VZV and HSV in suspicious skin lesions was investigated by polymerase chain reaction analysis. Clinical characteristics of co-infected patients were compared with matched control patients infected with either VZV or HSV. The data are discussed in the context of an extensive review of the literature. Results, Twenty (1.2%) of 1718 patients were infected with both VZV and HSV at the same body site. The mean age was 54 years (range, 2,83). The clinical diagnosis was zoster in 65%, herpes simplex in 20%, varicella in 10% and erythema multiforme in 5% of cases. The trigeminus region was affected in 60% and the trunk in 25%. Involvement of the head was most commonly associated with a severe course of disease and with older age. Conclusion, Simultaneous VZV/HSV infection is rare but can occur in immunocompetent patients, which is often overlooked. The majority of cases is localized to the trigeminus region and affects elderly people. [source] Atypical varicella zoster infection associated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosisPEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER, Issue 2 2009Jutte E. van der Werff ten Bosch MD Abstract Two adolescents, on immunosuppressive therapy for graft-versus-host disease, developed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) after varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. In the absence of dermatome restricted characteristic skin lesions, VZV reactivation was not immediately recognized and treatment with acyclovir was delayed. The first patient developed optical neuritis and died 2 months after the VZV episode due to massive intracranial hemorrhage. The second patient presented with severe abdominal pain and pancreatitis, followed by atypical skin eruptions, which prompted a faster diagnosis. Both patients recovered from their HLH, the first patient being successfully treated with immunosuppressive agents and the second with VZV treatment only. These two cases demonstrate the difficulties in recognizing VZV reactivation, and in order to start adequate and timely treatment, the need to consider VZV as a possible cause of HLH in severely immunocompromised patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:226,228. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Disseminated Varicella Infection in a Child Receiving Short-Term Steroids for AsthmaPEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2008CHANG-TENG WU M.D. The clinical presentation was disseminated varicella infection with multiple organ involvement. We confirmed varicella zoster virus using a direct fluorescent antibody test. This report demonstrates the increased risk of complicated varicella associated with the use of corticosteroids, even for a short period of time. [source] Varicella zoster virus is not a disease-relevant antigen in multiple sclerosis,ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 4 2009Mark P. Burgoon PhD Herpesvirions and varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA were recently reported in all 15 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) obtained within 1 week of exacerbation. Using identical electron microscopic and polymerase chain reaction techniques, including additional primer sets representing different regions of the VZV genome, we found no herpesvirions or VZV DNA in MS CSF or acute MS plaques. Although enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis demonstrated a higher titer of VZV antibody in MS CSF than in inflammatory control samples, recombinant antibodies prepared from clonally expanded MS CSF plasma cells did not bind to VZV. VZV is not a disease-relevant antigen in MS. Ann Neurol 2009;65:474,479 [source] Modelling the impact of vaccination on the epidemiology of varicella zoster virus in AustraliaAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 6 2005Heather F. Gidding Objective: To model the impact of universal varicella vaccination in Australia. Methods: The results of an Australia-wide serosurvey for varicella zoster virus (VZV) immunity were used to parameterise realistic, age-structured deterministic models (RAS) developed by Brisson and colleagues. We examined the impact of a vaccination program for one-year-olds alone, and with a catch-up campaign for 11 -year-olds, on the incidence of varicella and zoster, using Australia's population structure. Morbidity was then determined by calculating the number of hospital in-patient days. Results: Infant vaccination is predicted to reduce the incidence of varicella. However, zoster incidence is expected to increase initially, assuming exposure to varicella boosts immunity to zoster. Accumulated morbidity from both varicella and zoster is predicted to remain above that expected without vaccination for the first 70 years of an infant program (assuming 90% coverage with boosting for 20 years). However, after 70 years the net health savings from vaccination are predicted to increase substantially. Conclusions and Implications: Infant vaccination is expected to be a successful long-term commitment to reducing morbidity associated with VZV infection in Australia. [source] Frequent association of multiple sclerosis with varicella and zosterACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2005C. Perez-Cesari Background,,, A possible association of multiple sclerosis (MS) with viral diseases has been postulated; in previous studies we have found that in Mexican mestizos the antecedent of varicella during childhood represents a risk factor for the development of MS during adulthood. Aim,,, We conducted a retrospective search for varicella and zoster infections associated with the development of MS. Methods and results,,, In a cohort of 82 consecutive patients with MS we found six cases, four of varicella and two of zoster, that were concurrent with the development or the progress of MS. Conclusions,,, The association of these pathologies is higher than expected and suggests a possible etiological relationship of the varicella zoster virus with MS. [source] Differential diagnosis of acute central nervous system infections in children using modern microbiological methodsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2009Pasi Huttunen Abstract Aim:, Except bacterial meningitis, the agents causing acute central nervous system (CNS) infections in children are disclosed in only approximately half of the cases, and even less in encephalitis. We studied the potential of modern microbiological assays to improve this poor situation. Methods:, In a prospective study during 3 years, all children attending hospital with suspected CNS infection were examined using a wide collection of microbiological tests using samples from the cerebrospinal fluid, serum, nasal swabs and stool. Results:, Among 213 patients, 66 (31%) cases suggested CNS infection and specific aetiology was identified in 56 patients. Of these microbiologically confirmed cases, viral meningitis/encephalitis was diagnosed in 25 (45%), bacterial meningitis in 21 (38%) and neuroborreliosis in 9 (16%) cases while 1child had fungal infection. In meningitis patients, the causative agent was identified in 85% (35/41) cases and in encephalitis in 75% (12/16). The most common bacteria were Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcous pneumonie and Neisseria meningitidis, while the most frequently detected viruses were enteroviruses and varicella zoster virus. Conclusion:, In 75% to 85% of paediatric CNS infections, specific microbiological diagnosis was obtained with modern laboratory techniques. The results pose a basis for prudent approach to these potentially serious diseases. [source] Varicella seroprevalence in Turkish population in CyprusACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 6 2007Zafer Kurugol Abstract Aim: This study was conducted to determine the age-specific seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection in Turkish population in Cyprus. Methods: A total of 600 unvaccinated individuals aged 1,30 years were selected for the study with cluster sampling. Information on socio-demographic characteristics was gathered for each participant and, anti-VZV antibodies were assayed by using enzyme immune assay. Results: Of the 578 assayed samples, 486 (84.1%) were seropositive. Varicella seroprevalence increased sharply with age from 25% for the 2,3 year olds to 55, 78 and 85% for 4,5, 6,7 and 8,9 year olds, respectively. More than 90% of individuals >16 years of age were seropositive. Varicella seroprevalence was higher in large families with five and more members (91.2%) than in small families with four or fewer members (80.2%). Conclusion: The majority of varicella-zoster virus infections occur during preschool period and at the first years of schooling. Therefore, routine varicella vaccination of children would be logical in Northern Cyprus, as is currently recommended by the European Working Group on Varicella. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||