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Toscana virus meningitis in Portugal, 2002-2005

L Santos1, J Simões, R Costa

  • 1Infectious Disease Service, School of Medicine and Hospital S. João, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, Portugal. lursantos@net.sapo.pt

Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen Sur Les Maladies Transmissibles = European Communicable Disease Bulletin
|November 10, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Toscana virus (TOSV) meningitis was identified in six children and young adults in northern Portugal. These cases highlight the need for further research into TOSV prevalence in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Toscana virus (TOSV) is endemic in the Mediterranean, causing meningitis.
  • Previous TOSV cases in Portugal were limited to foreign tourists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence of TOSV meningitis in children and young adults in northern Portugal.
  • To determine the prevalence of TOSV as a cause of meningitis in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid samples from 308 meningitis patients (negative bacterial culture) were analyzed.
  • Reverse transcription PCR was used to detect enteroviruses and herpesviruses.
  • TOSV was specifically tested for using a commercial reverse transcription nested PCR assay in 106 samples.

Main Results:

  • Toscana virus caused meningitis in 6 cases (5.6%) among patients under 30.
  • The affected individuals included three children and three young adults.
  • All TOSV meningitis cases presented with a benign and self-limiting clinical course.

Conclusions:

  • These findings represent the first diagnosed cases of TOSV meningitis in Portuguese inhabitants.
  • The study underscores the emerging presence of TOSV in Portugal.
  • Further epidemiological studies are recommended to understand TOSV prevalence in Portugal.

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