Herpes simplex and duodenal ulcer pathology

An association between Herpes simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and duodenal ulcer disease has been suggested. Duodenal ulcers, like HSV-1 lesions, exhibit periodicity in recurrence. Several of the presently available anti-ulcer agents may have an antiviral action. Antibody titres in some studies have shown selective increases to HSV-1 in duodenal ulcer patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether a real association exists between HSV-1 and endoscopically proven duodenal ulcer or duodenal erosive disease. In a prospective study, 27 patients with either duodenal ulcer (16) or duodenal erosions (11) were studied in order to attempt isolation of HSV-1. Acute and convalescent sera were also taken and examined by an enzyme linked-immunoabsorbent assay system for antibody titres to HSV-1. Duodenal biopsies from a further 26 patients with duodenal ulcer or erosive disease were also examined retrospectively for HSV-1 by the immunoperoxidase technique. In no case of either duodenal ulcer or duodenal erosive disease was HSV-1 isolated by any of the above methods, nor was a relationship demonstrated by acute or convalescent HSV-1 antibody titres. Hence, this study does not support an association between HSV-1 and duodenal ulcer or erosive disease.