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[Cuban epidemic neuropathy. I. Viral isolation]
P Más Lago1, J L Pelegrino, M G Guzmán
1Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí.
Revista Cubana De Medicina Tropical
|January 1, 1995
Summary
A large epidemic neuropathy in Cuba was linked to vitamin B deficiency and risk factors like smoking and alcohol. Viral agents, including Coxsackie 9, were detected in cerebrospinal fluid samples.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Virology
Background:
- An epidemic neuropathy affected over 50,000 individuals in Cuba between 1991 and 1993.
- The disease presented with two main clinical forms: optic and peripheral.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes and risk factors of the Cuban epidemic neuropathy.
- To identify potential viral agents involved in the disease.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological studies to assess nutritional status and lifestyle factors.
- Virological analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.
- Inoculation of CSF samples into lactating mice.
Main Results:
- Nutritional disorders, primarily vitamin B complex deficiency, were identified as a major cause.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption were significant risk factors for severe disease.
- Coxsackie 9 virus was isolated in 4% of CSF samples; another agent was found in 80%.
- CSF samples induced disease or death in mice, and viral persistence was confirmed in patients.
Conclusions:
- The epidemic neuropathy was strongly associated with nutritional deficiencies and identified risk factors.
- Viral agents likely played a role in the pathogenesis and persistence of the disease.