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A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Recurrent lymphocytic meningitis positive for herpes simplex virus type 2.
Katariina Kallio-Laine1, Mikko Seppänen, Hannu Kautiainen
1Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. katariina.kallio-laine@helsinki.fi
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|July 24, 2009
Summary
Recurrent meningitis linked to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) affects 2.2 per 100,000 people in Finland. Early PCR testing of cerebrospinal fluid improves HSV-2 detection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Recurrent lymphocytic meningitis is a rare condition.
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a known cause of meningitis.
- Previous prevalence estimates for HSV-2 meningitis may be underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of recurrent lymphocytic meningitis associated with HSV-2 in Finland.
- To evaluate the optimal timing for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample collection for HSV-2 DNA detection using PCR.
Main Methods:
- Population-based study in Finland from 1996-2006.
- Analysis of CSF samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HSV-2 DNA.
- Correlation of PCR sensitivity with days from symptom onset to sample collection.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of recurrent HSV-2 meningitis was found to be 2.2 per 100,000 population.
- This prevalence is higher than previously reported estimates.
- PCR detection of HSV-2 DNA in CSF was most sensitive when samples were collected 2-5 days after symptom onset.
Conclusions:
- HSV-2 is a significant cause of recurrent lymphocytic meningitis in Finland.
- The actual prevalence of HSV-2 meningitis may be higher than previously thought.
- Timely CSF sampling is crucial for accurate HSV-2 diagnosis via PCR.
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