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Human herpes virus type 7 DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with central nervous system diseases

A Pohl-Koppe1, M Blay, G Jäger

  • 1Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Germany. Annette.Pohl-Koppe@kk-i.med.uni-muenchen.de

European Journal of Pediatrics
|June 26, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Human herpes virus type 7 (HHV-7) can cause central nervous system (CNS) diseases in children, even without typical exanthem subitum (ES) symptoms. This study found HHV-7 DNA in cerebrospinal fluid of children with various neurological conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Human herpes virus type 7 (HHV-7) is linked to febrile illness and exanthem subitum (ES) in children.
  • Neurological complications like seizures and hemiplegia are occasionally reported in children with ES.
  • The potential for HHV-7 to affect the central nervous system (CNS) independently of ES remains unclear.

Observation:

  • A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed to detect HHV-7 DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • CSF samples from 68 children with various neurological diseases and control groups were analyzed.
  • HHV-7 DNA was detected in the CSF of six children diagnosed with aseptic meningitis, encephalitis/meningoencephalitis, facial palsy, vestibular neuritis, and febrile seizures.

Findings:

  • The study detected HHV-7 DNA in the CSF of children with neurological conditions, including those without inflammatory CSF findings.
  • No HHV-7 DNA was found in control groups, suggesting a specific association with CNS disease.
  • The presence of HHV-7 DNA in CSF indicates a direct role in pediatric neurological disorders.

Implications:

  • HHV-7 should be considered as a potential cause of CNS disease in children, irrespective of the presence of CSF inflammation.
  • These findings expand the known spectrum of HHV-7 associated neurological manifestations in pediatric populations.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis and clinical significance of HHV-7 CNS infections in children.
Abstract

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