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Acute sensorineural deafness in Lassa fever
D Cummins1, J B McCormick, D Bennett
1Department of Hematology, University College, London, England.
Abstract:
A prospective audiometric evaluation of 69 hospitalized febrile patients in Sierra Leone, West Africa, revealed a sensorineural hearing deficit (SNHD) in 14 (29%) of 49 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and in 0 of 20 febrile controls. An SNHD was present in nine (17.6%) of 51 people who had evidence of previous Lassa virus infection. Twenty-six of 32 local residents who had previously sustained a sudden deafness had antibody titers to Lassa virus of 16 or greater, compared with six of 32 matched controls. Lassa fever is associated with an incidence of SNHD, which considerably exceeds that previously reported with any other postnatally acquired infection, and accounts for a prevalence of virus-related hearing impairment in the eastern province of Sierra Leone that is greater than that reported from anywhere else in the world.
Insights
Lassa fever, a viral infection, is strongly linked to sensorineural hearing deficit (SNHD). This study found a high incidence of hearing impairment in Lassa fever patients in Sierra Leone.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Audiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Lassa fever is a significant public health concern in West Africa.
- Sensorineural hearing deficit (SNHD) is a potential complication of infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of SNHD in patients with Lassa fever.
- To assess the association between Lassa virus infection and hearing impairment.
Main Methods:
- Prospective audiometric evaluation of hospitalized febrile patients.
- Serological testing for Lassa virus antibodies.
- Comparison of hearing outcomes between Lassa fever cases, febrile controls, and individuals with sudden deafness.
Main Results:
- A 29% incidence of SNHD was observed in confirmed Lassa fever cases.
- 17.6% of individuals with evidence of previous Lassa virus infection had SNHD.
- A significant association was found between Lassa virus antibodies and sudden deafness in local residents.
Conclusions:
- Lassa fever is a major cause of SNHD, with an incidence exceeding other postnatally acquired infections.
- The prevalence of virus-related hearing impairment in Sierra Leone is notably high.
- Early identification and management of Lassa fever are crucial to prevent hearing loss.