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Saffold virus infection associated with human myocarditis
Trine Skov Nielsen1, Alex Yde Nielsen2, Jytte Banner3
1Centre for Clinical Research, Vendsyssel Hospital/Department of Clinical Medicine, Bispensgade 37, 9800 Hjørring, Aalborg University, Denmark.
Summary
Saffold virus, a cardiovirus, was detected in the heart tissue of a child with myocarditis. This finding supports the association between cardioviruses and human heart inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Saffold virus, a human cardiovirus, has been linked to human disease.
- Cardioviruses are known to cause severe myocardial infections in animals.
- Previous studies have detected Saffold virus in human tissues, but without clear evidence of inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Saffold virus to cause invasive infection in the human myocardium.
- To determine if Saffold virus is associated with histopathological signs of inflammation in cardiac tissue.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cardiac tissue from 150 deceased individuals diagnosed with myocarditis.
- Real-time PCR was used to detect Saffold virus.
- Histological findings were compared with molecular detection results.
Main Results:
- Saffold virus was identified in the myocardium, lung tissue, and blood of one child.
- Histopathological evidence of inflammation was observed in the heart and lungs of this child.
- The findings were consistent with a viral infection.
Conclusions:
- Saffold virus can be present in the human myocardium and associated with inflammation.
- These findings suggest a potential role for cardioviruses in human myocarditis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of Saffold virus in cardiac disease.
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