Presence Of Herpes Simplex Virus Research Articles

Maternal Group B Streptococcus Infection Correlates Inversely With Preeclampsia in Pregnant African American Women

Abstract Objective To determine whether an association exists between group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization and preeclampsia among pregnant Black women. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study involved Black women who gave birth at State University of New York Downstate Hospital between January 2010 and December 2017. Data were collected from the Obstetric Department, including delivery date, time, mode of delivery, age of the mother, weeks of gestation at delivery, and antepartum complications. The GBS test results were originally determined using the eSwab transport system. Preeclampsia was defined based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria for the periods 2010–2012 and 2013–2017. The primary outcome was whether GBS was associated with the outcome of preeclampsia in the population of Black women. Covariates, including smoking status, gestational age, parity, body mass index, maternal age, and presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were examined as potential confounders. Chi-squared test and logistic regression model were used, presenting odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (P < 0.050), analyzed with SAS on Demand for Academics (SAS Institute, Inc., NY). Results Among the 8,019 Black women included in this study, GBS-positive women (n = 977) had a 53% reduction in the likelihood of being diagnosed with preeclampsia compared to GBS-negative women (adjusted odds ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.70). We did not find evidence of differences in the distribution of smoking habits (P = 0.783) or maternal age (P = 0.107) between GBS-positive and GBS-negative women. However, the GBS-positive women tended to be less likely to have a preterm delivery (9.62% (94/977) vs. 24.24% (1707/7042), P < 0.001), less likely to be nulliparous (33.37% (326/977) vs. 37.87% (2667/7042), P = 0.006), and less likely to be obese (51.38% (502/977) vs. 55.30% (3894/7042), P < 0.001) compared with GBS-negative women. In contrast, GBS-positive women were more likely to have a comorbid infection than their counterparts: HSV (5.94% (58/977) vs. 2.63% (185/7042), P < 0.001) and HIV (1.54% (15/977) vs. 0.82% (58/7042), P = 0.028). Conclusion We found a reduced likelihood of preeclampsia among women who were positive for GBS at delivery. Given the cross-sectional nature of our study, more research is needed to further explore this association.

The Diagnosis and Management of Herpes Simplex Pneumonia in the Critical Care Setting: A Comprehensive Review.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) belongs to the Herpesviridae family and is divided into two subtypes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. It is known that herpesviruses lie dormant in neural ganglion cells and are reactivated during times of stress, trauma, fever, and immunosuppression. While HSV primarily causes mucosal infections such as cold sores or upper respiratory tract manifestations, it can also lead to serious, life-threatening infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Although HSV is occasionally detected in airway samples from critically ill patients, true HSV pneumonia is rare. HSV pneumonia is thought to result from the aspiration of salivary secretions that can travel from the pharynx and tracheobronchial areas to the lungs. It can be difficult to diagnose, and the presence of HSV in respiratory specimens does not necessarily indicate true infection. Treatment with antiviral drugs such as acyclovir should be considered based on the clinical presentation, corroborative findings, and the presence of cytopathological changes in the bronchoalveolar specimen. The prognosis of HSV pneumonia is generally poor and early detection is critical for better outcomes. This review discusses the risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HSV pneumonia and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between true infection and carrier status.

Herpes simplex virus dissemination with necrotizing hepatitis following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty

BackgroundCorneal transplants are the most common type of transplant and increasing in frequency. Donor cornea tissues are a rare source of herpes simplex virus (HSV) transmission and not routinely tested for presence of HSV. Donor graft-to-recipient transmission typically causes graft failure and anterior uveitis, and extra-ocular HSV disease has not been previously reported. We present a case of HSV transmission from donor cornea tissue that nearly cost the corneal transplant recipient his life.Case reportAn elderly immunocompetent man developed an acute illness 10 days after having donor corneal tissue implanted in a Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). He was found to have HSV necrotizing hepatitis per liver biopsy, trilineage cytopenia, rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, altered mental status, early-stage hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and donor corneal tissue implant infection resulting in graft failure and anterior uveitis. HSV DNA was detected in cerebral spinal fluid, peripheral blood, explanted donor corneal tissue, and anterior chamber fluid (220 million HSV DNA copies per mL). HSV-1 seroconversion denoted a primary HSV infection, and the patient had no other risk factor for HSV acquisition. Early recognition of HSV dissemination prompting treatment with intravenous acyclovir, as well as a short course of HLH-directed therapy, resolved the systemic illness. Vision was restored to near normal by replacement of the infected corneal graft with new donor DMEK tissue in conjunction with intravitreal foscarnet treatment.ConclusionAwareness of the potential risk of donor cornea tissue transmitting HSV and leading to life-threatening HSV disease is paramount to early diagnosis and treatment. The role of donor cornea tissue in HSV transmission and disease merits additional attention and investigation.

Herpes Simplex Virus Seroprevalence among Pregnant Finnish Women and Their Spouses-A Six-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study.

The aim was to evaluate the herpes simplex virus (HSV) seroprevalence and seroconversion among 285 pregnant women and their 120 male spouses in Finland during a six-year follow-up (FU) between 1998–2008. We also studied the effect of sexual habits, pregnancy, and other demographic factors on the acquisition of HSV infection. Combined HSV-1 and HSV-2-IgG antibodies were assessed in the first baseline serum samples with an indirect enzyme immunoassay method. The individuals with seronegative or borderline HSV serology at baseline were additionally tested using their latest FU serum sample available. The overall HSV seroprevalence during the FU was 58.9% (168/285) among the women and 53.3% (64/120) among their spouses. The seroconversion rate was 11.4% (15/132) and 12.5% (8/64) among women and their spouses, respectively. Both spouses were HSV seropositive in 39.2% (47/120). To determine the HSV-2 seroprevalence, we also tested all HSV-seropositive participants using HSV-2-specific antigen. HSV-2 seropositivity was detected in 10.9% (44/405) of the participants. The age (p = 0.006) and history of genital warts (p = 0.006) of the women were associated with combined HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 seropositivity, while a younger age was related to HSV seroconversion (p = 0.023). Among the male spouses, HSV seropositivity was associated with the practice of oral sex (p = 0.033). To conclude, women of childbearing age acquire primary HSV infections and the presence of HSV in oral epithelium is common among HSV-seropositive individuals.

Preemptive acyclovir to prevent herpes simplex virus bronchopneumonitis in mechanically ventilated patients with herpes simplex virus oropharyngeal reactivation: An ancillary study of the preemptive treatment for herpesviridae trial

Background To evaluate the impact of preemptive acyclovir treatment on herpes simplex virus (HSV) bronchopneumonitis in mechanically ventilated patients with HSV oropharyngeal reactivation. Methods Ancillary study of the Preemptive Treatment for Herpesviridae (PTH) clinical trial. Patients included in that trial from one centre (Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital) and in whom at least one bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed for ventilator-associated pneumonia suspicion were included in the present study. Rate of HSV bronchopneumonitis, defined as clinical symptoms suggesting of pneumonia and presence of HSV in BAL fluid ≥105 copies of HSV/106 cells, were compared in patients who received either acyclovir or placebo. Results Eighty-three patients were included; 40 having received preemptive acyclovir and 43 having received a placebo, without differences between groups at admission or at randomization. The number of patients who developed HSV bronchopneumonitis was lower among acyclovir-treated patients than among placebo-treated patients (40% vs. 72%, respectively, p = .003). Results were similar when restricted to patients without HSV detected in the lower respiratory tract at randomization (31% vs. 61%, respectively, p = .03). Conclusions Preemptive acyclovir treatment in mechanically ventilated patients with HSV oropharyngeal reactivation reduces HSV bronchopneumonitis rate.

New factors of pterygium occurrence and recurrence after surgical treatment

Background. Occurrence and recurrence of pterygium after surgical treatment are still urgent problems of modern ophthalmology. The purpose was to determine the main factors leading to the occurrence and recurrence of pterygium after surgical treatment. Materials and methods. We observed 203 patients (232 eyes) with pterygium. There were 108 men and 95 women. The age of patients ranged from 35 to 65 years. The duration of the disease is 2.5–2.7 years. Patients underwent surgical treatment for pterygium by the McReynolds’ method forming a cul-de-sac, by the Artl method with its incision, and the McReynolds and Artl methods using 0.02% solution of mitomycin C. The patients were examined in 3, 6 months, and one year after surgery. The statistical analysis of the results of clinical trials was performed using the software package SPSS 11.0, MedStat (Lyakh Y.E., Guryanov V.G., 2004–2012), MedCalc (MedCalc Software bvba, 1993–2013). Results. The results of clinical studies have found that the frequency of pterygium recurrence after traditional surgical interventions by the McReynolds method, the McReynolds method using 0.02% solution of mitomycin C, by the traditional Arlt method, the Arlt me-thod using 0.02% solution of mitomycin C in 3 months was 20, 17, 15, and 8.7 %, respectively; in 6 months — 29.5, 27, 27, and 26 %, respectively; after 1 year — 26.5, 26.5, 30.6, and 37 %, respectively. Long-term recurrence of pterygium did not differ significantly (p < 0.05). Viral infection was found in pterygium tissue in 50.9 % of cases, including herpesviruses (33.6 %) and human papillomavirus (HPV, 34.0 %). Among herpesviruses, herpes simplex virus (HSV) was found in 15.1 % of cases, cytomegalovirus (CMV) in 7.3 %, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in 11.2 % of cases. The regression analysis showed an association of HSV with stage II and stage III pterygium (p < 0.05). No such dependencies were found for CMV and EBV. There was a relationship of HPV with the I–III stages of pterygium (p < 0.01). There were types 6 (34.2 %), 11 (24.1 %), 16 (21.5 %), and 18 (20.2 %) among HPV. Types 6 and 11 were mainly detected at the first stages and were not detected in stage IV; types 16 and 18 were not detected in stage I (p = 7.9e-04). Among other types, only HPV6 was associated with the I and III stages of pterygium (p < 0.05). Double mixed infection was detec-ted in 32.1 % of patients. The most common was the combination of HSV and HPV (30.6 % of all cases of mixed infection), three viruses — in 2.5 % of cases in the combination of HSV + CMV + HPV and HSV + EBV + HPV. It was first established that the V600E mutation of the BRAF gene was detected in 35.3 % of cases of pterygium. No significant difference in mutation frequency depending on the sex and age of patients was found. The frequency of mutation by stages increased from 21.3 % at stage I to 57.7 % at stage IV (p = 0.0003). The regression analysis showed a strong progressive association with the presence of the BRAF gene V600E mutation with the pterygium stage and, therefore, its progression. Conclusions. Thus, it was proved that the presence of HSV, HPV, and mutation V600E of the BRAF gene significantly influenced the occurrence and progression of pterygium after surgical treatment.

NaCl and KCl mediate log increase in AAV vector particles and infectious titers in a specific/timely manner with the HSV platform

The increasing demand for adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, a result from the surging interest for their potential to cure human genetic diseases by gene transfer, tumbled on low-performing production systems. Innovative improvements to increase both yield and quality of the vector produced have become a priority undertaking in the field. In a previous study, we showed that adding a specific concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl) to the production medium resulted in a dramatic increase of AAV vector particle and infectious titers when using the herpes simplex virus (HSV) production system, both in adherent or suspension platforms. In this work, we studied additional salts and their impact on AAV vector production. We found that potassium chloride (KCl), or a combination of KCl and NaCl, resulted in the highest increase in AAV vector production. We determined that the salt-mediated effect was the most impactful when the salt was present between 8 and approximately 16 h post-infection, with the highest rate increase occurring within the first 24 h of the production cycle. We showed that the AAV vector yield increase did not result from an increase in cell growth, size, or viability. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the impact on AAV vector production was specifically mediated by NaCl and KCl independently of their impact on the osmolality of the production media. Our findings convincingly showed that NaCl and KCl were uniquely efficacious to promote up to a 10-fold increase in the production of highly infectious AAV vectors when produced in the presence of HSV. We think that this study will provide unique and important new insights in AAV biology toward the establishment of more successful production protocols.

Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Herpetic Keratitis/Keratouveitis in the Long Term: from Problem to Solution

Purpose . To identify problems contributed to the development of a chronic course of herpetic keratitis/keratouveitis and to suggest ways to solve them (taking into account the results of virological examination by PCR). Patients and methods . A group of patients ( n = 90) with herpetic keratitis/keratouveitis of the prolonged course was under observation. Biological secretions (tears, saliva, blood serum and urine) of patients were investigated for the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VVZ), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6), human herpesvirus type 7 (HHV-7) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antiherpetic therapy included systemic oral administration of selective analogues of nucleosides (AN) — valacyclovir and phamcyclovir in daily doses of 2–3 g and 1.5 g, respectively. Local therapy included installations of mydriatic (if necessary), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterial drugs. Reparative therapy consisted in prescribing conservative installations of HILOPARIN-COMOD ® and PARIN-POS ® ointment. Results. The clinical picture of herpetic keratitis/keratouveitis was presented by surface forms — 22 cases, deep forms — 68 cases. Positive results of HSV determination were obtained in 34.6 % of the surveyed. VZV was detected in 21 cases (28 %), CMV — in 14.6 %. EBV was detected in 28 cases (37.3 %), HHV-6 — in 37 cases (49.3 %). Genetic material of HHV-7 was found in 32 % of the examined. The results of PCR studies determined the appointment of adequate doses of nucleoside analogues (NA), which led to relief of symptoms in 100 % of cases. Active reparative therapy contributed to complete persistent epithelialization sustained by systemic use of NA in all cases within 4 weeks from the presentation. Conclusion . The results of PCR examination for the production of herpetic viruses in the tear/saliva/blood/urine are crucial to confirm the etiology of keratitis/keratouveitis, as well as determine the appointment of adequate (increased) doses of nucleoside analogues according to the recommended regimens until remission is achieved. Local therapy drugs should be used on the principle of “necessary minimum”. Therapeutic scheme for herpetic keratitis/keratouveitis already in the active stage should include local drugs with reparative effect, contributing to the achievement of persistent epithelialization.

Persistent Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Alzheimer's Disease-A Call to Study How Variability in Both Virus and Host may Impact Disease.

Increasing attention has focused on the contributions of persistent microbial infections with the manifestation of disease later in life, including neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Current data has shown the presence of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in regions of the brain that are impacted by AD in elderly individuals. Additionally, neuronal infection with HSV-1 triggers the accumulation of amyloid beta deposits and hyperphosphorylated tau, and results in oxidative stress and synaptic dysfunction. All of these factors are implicated in the development of AD. These data highlight the fact that persistent viral infection is likely a contributing factor, rather than a sole cause of disease. Details of the correlations between HSV-1 infection and AD development are still just beginning to emerge. Future research should investigate the relative impacts of virus strain- and host-specific factors on the induction of neurodegenerative processes over time, using models such as infected neurons in vitro, and animal models in vivo, to begin to understand their relationship with cognitive dysfunction.

A Seven-Year Evaluation of Viral Central Nervous System Infections

Identification of viral agents causing central nervous system (CNS) infections increased by the application of nucleic acid tests. In this study, the results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for viral agents were evaluated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples taken from patients with CNS infection. CSF samples taken from 1185 patients between 2010 and 2017 were tested for the presence of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2, Varicella Zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), adenovirus ve enterovirus by PCR in Dokuz Eylul University Hospital. Tests were performed according to the clinicians' orders and results were evaluated retrospectively. The number of tests performed were 1038 for HSV, 882 for adenovirus, 865 for enterovirus, 496 for VZV, 100 for EBV and 92 for CMV. Commercial tests were used for EBV, CMV (Artus QS-RGQ Kits, Qiagen, Germany) and enterovirus (GeneXpert, Cepheid, USA) while the other viruses (HSV, VZV, adenovirus) were tested by in-house real-time PCR assays. Ninety-one CSF (7.7%) samples were positive. The mean age was 13 (<1 to 76 years) while median was seven. The most frequently detected pathogens were enterovirus (63/91, 69%) and HSV-1 (14/91,15%). The number of patients positive for adenovirus, VZV, EBV and CMV were five, four, three and two, respectively. In one patient, both enterovirus (Ct: 29.5) and EBV (Ct: 38.53) were positive. The number of positive samples were increased in summer months. Enterovirus RNA positive patients (n= 60/63, 95.2%) were ≤ 18 years old while 29% were younger than one year of age. Enterovirus positive samples peaked in 2012 and 2014 and detected mainly in summer (60.3%) and autumn (20.6%) months. VZV was mostly detected in patients greater than 65 years of age. Mean Ct of the positive reactions was 31.87 ± 3.5 (22.88-40.32). The lowest and the highest Ct values were detected in HSV-1 assay. The mean Ct value of enterovirus assay (30.4; 25.7-35.9) was lower than the other pathogens' values. In the seven-year period, 7.7% of the1185 patients' CSF samples were positive for viral nucleic acids. As expected, enteroviruses were the most common pathogens in children and detected mainly in summer-autumn period. Syndromic approach in CNS infections could increase the viral pathogen detection.

Epidemiology and molecular diagnosis of acute conjunctivitis in patients attending Hamadan, west Iran ophthalmology clinics 2016-2017.

BackgroundViruses are considered the most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis. PCR has been approved as the best standard method to diagnose viral conjunctivitis. This study was conducted to investigate epidemiological patterns of conjunctivitis in Hamadan, west Iran. In addition, the frequency of the most important cause of infectious conjunctivitis diagnosed by PCR and its seasonal variations and association with certain socioeconomic and health factors were studied.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 125 patients with suspected viral conjunctivitis or keratoconjunctivitis in Hamadan, west Iran from July 2016 to June 2017 were examined for the presence of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), HSV2, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), adenovirus. and Chlamydia trachomatis using multiplex real-time PCR.ResultsAdenoviruses were the most prevalent pathogens (94.4%). HSV1 was found in two (1.6%) patients. HSV2, VZV, and C. trachomatis were not seen in any patients. There was no difference in acquisition of conjunctivitis between men and women. A total of 55 (44%) patients attended the clinics in summer.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that adenoviruses were a much more common viral cause of conjunctivitis in the studied region compared to findings in other regions. In addition, the acquisition rate of eye infection is expected to decrease dramatically in this region through control of adenoviruses. Demographic variables ie, age, sex, and income level, were not significantly associated with acquisition of viral infection.

Evaluation of multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction for the detection of herpes simplex virus-1 and 2 and varicella-zoster virus in corneal cells from normal subjects and patients with keratitis in India

Purpose:To determine the presence of herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus (HSV 1 and 2, VZV) in the cornea of normal subjects by multiplex real time quantitative (qPCR) assay and evaluate its utility in the diagnosis of viral keratitis.Methods:Corneal epithelial cells from 33 eyes of 22 patients undergoing photorefractive keratectomy surgery (controls) and 50 corneal scrapings from 50 patients with suspected HSV keratitis were analyzed for the presence of HSV1 by conventional PCR and for presence of HSV1 and 2 and/or VZV by multiplex real-time PCR. Corneal scrapings of patients were also tested for HSV1 antigen by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The results were compared and clinical records reviewed.Results:HSV1 and VZV DNA were detected in 8/33 controls (mean-14.3 ± 7.96, range: 3-29.1 copies/mL) and 2/33 controls (mean-10.7 ± 10.9, range 3-18.5 copies/ml) respectively. HSV2 was not detected in any of the controls. Copy numbers above the mean + 1SD of controls were considered significant for viral load in patient samples. Significantly higher number of corneal scrapings (39/50, 78%) from patients were positive for HSV1 (1.2 × 106 copies/mL ± 3.7 × 106 copies/mL) by real time qPCR compared to IFA (11/48, 23%, P value 0.0001) and conventional PCR (20/50, 40%, P value 0.0002). Double infection with HSV-1 (1.5 × 107 copies/ml) and HSV-2 (3.57 × 104 copies/ml) in one case and VZV infection (1.03 × 102 copies/ml) in another was also detected by the multiplex real-time PCR.Conclusion:Multiplex real-time PCR reliably detects HSV1 and 2 and VZV DNA and is ideal for the diagnosis of HSV and VZV keratitis in an ocular microbiology laboratory.

Decompressive craniectomy for herpes simplex encephalitis complicated by frank intracerebral hemorrhage: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundHerpes simplex encephalitis is the most common type of sporadic encephalitis worldwide. Frank intracerebral hemorrhage complicating the disease course in herpes simplex encephalitis patients is rare, especially cases where surgical decompression is necessary. Here, we report a previously healthy female with herpes simplex encephalitis who underwent surgical decompression due to temporal lobe hemorrhage.Case presentationA previously healthy 34-year-old Korean female presented with fever, myalgia and severe headache. Brain MRI showed a high T2 signal intensity change and diffuse swelling of the right temporal lobe. Polymerase chain reaction testing of the cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the presence of herpes simplex virus 1. The patient was admitted for close observation and intravenous acyclovir. On hospital day 3, she had a sudden onset of vomiting and severe headache. Brain CT showed frank temporal lobe hemorrhage. Despite aggressive medical treatment, she became increasingly drowsy. Ultimately, she underwent emergency right decompressive craniectomy, expansile duraplasty and intracranial pressure monitor insertion. The patient recovered fully without any neurological deficits or neuropsychological problems. She was discharged after completion of 2 weeks of acyclovir and returned 2 months later for cranioplasty.ConclusionsPatients with severe herpes simplex encephalitis complicated by intracerebral hemorrhage or malignant cerebral edema should undergo aggressive medical treatment. Surgical decompression should also be actively considered in these severe cases to prevent further neurological deterioration.

Effects of Herpes Simplex Virus Infections on Seminal Parameters in Male Partners of Infertile Couples

To assess the possibility that herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection could affect seminal parameters, we (1) standardize and validate a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) assay to detect HSV-1 and HSV-2 in semen, and (2) determine the prevalence of HSV-1/-2 in the semen of randomized male partners of couples seeking fertility evaluation. A total of 279 semen samples were included in the study from men who visited the Sperm Analysis Section of São Camilo Laboratory of Maringá, Brazil, between November 2014 and July 2015. Eligible men were 18 years or older and had a semen analysis due fertility evaluation (after failing to conceive with their partner after 1 year of unprotected intercourse). Basic seminal parameters were analyzed, and HSV-1 and HSV-2 were detected by M-PCR. The M-PCR assay clearly distinguished and identified 2 HSV types in semen samples. HSV in total was detected in 10.7% of samples, of which 7.5% had HSV-1 exclusively and 3.2% had HSV-2 exclusively. We detected a significant association of HSV-2 infection with hematospermia and with a lower mean seminal volume, and between HSV-1 infection and a lower mean sperm count. These findings suggest that the male partners of infertile couples with HSV infections may have changes on the 2 equally important components of semen, spermatozoa and seminal fluid, which may influence fertility. Further studies enrolling a larger number of patients are necessary to confirm these data and to elucidate the clinical relevance of HSV presence in semen.

Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus in Chronic Generalized Periodontitis via Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Pilot Study

Background. As bacterial etiology could not support and explain various aspects of periodontal disease, herpes virus is now proposed to be one of the factors responsible for the periodontal destruction. The aim of the present study was to detect the presence of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis. Methods. Eleven patients were consecutively selected for the study, of which 3 were diagnosed with moderate chronic generalized periodontitis and 8 with severe chronic generalized periodontitis. Subgingival material was taken from the deepest pocket of the dentition from every study subject, before the commencement of any procedure and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to detect the presence of HSV-1 and -2. Results. HSV-1 and -2 DNA was not detected in any of the samples. Conclusion. This study is in contrast with previous studies and questions the proposed pathogenic role and clinical relevance of herpes virus in periodontitis.

Association between herpes simplex virus Types 1 and 2 with cardiac myxoma

Most cases of atrial myxoma are sporadic, and the exact etiology is unknown. We examined if herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and HSV-2 antigens and/or DNA could be detected in a cohort of Iranian patients with cardiac myxomas. From July 2004 to June 2014, among a total of 36,703 patients undergoing open heart surgeries, consecutive patients with cardiac myxoma who were treated by surgical excision at our center included in this study. Of 73 patients studied, 56% were female with a mean age of 54 years (ranging from 23 to 77 years). Seventy-four myxomas were surgically removed from 73 patients, since one patient had two myxomas which were located on both the right atrium and right ventricle. The materials for this analysis were retrospectively gathered from extracted tumors that stored in a pathology bank of tissue paraffin blocks. The formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue samples were investigated for HSV genomic DNA by both immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. In all 74 cases there was no presence of HSV 1 and HSV 2 infection. This suggests that HSV may not play a role in sporadic cardiac myxomas; however, evidence for such association is currently lacking, and further studies are required to determine such a role.

Detection of herpes simplex-1 and -2 and varicella zoster virus by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in corneas from patients with bacterial keratitis.

Bacterial keratitis occurs worldwide, and despite recent developments, it remains a potentially blinding condition. This study assesses the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and -2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in corneal scrapings from patients with bacterial keratitis. A total of 65 patients with clinical diagnoses of infectious corneal ulcers prospectively underwent clinical eye examinations. Corneal scrapings were investigated by Gram staining, Giemsa staining, culture, and qPCR (the study group). Risk factors and epidemiological data were recorded. The control group comprising 25 eyes with typical herpes dendritic keratitis was also analyzed by qPCR. From the study group (n=65), nine patients (13.8%) had negative smears, cultures, and qPCR findings. Fifty-six (86.2%) patients had positive cultures: 51 for bacteria, 4 for fungi, and 1 for amoebae. Of the patients who had positive bacterial cultures, qPCR identified 10 patients who were also positive for virus: one for VZV and nine for HSV-1. Of the 25 patients in the control group, 21 tested positive for HSV-1 by qPCR analysis. Herpes may be present in patients with bacterial corneal ulcers, and qPCR may be useful in its detection.

Demonstration of Herpes Simplex Virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr Virus in Colorectal Cancer.

Background:The present study sought to investigate molecular evidence for association between the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in CRC and colorectal polyp by using the PCR method in Iran.Methods:In this analytical case-control study, we selected 15 patients with CRC, 20 patients with colorectal polyp, and 35 patients without malignancy as controls. After DNA extraction, PCR was used to determine HSV, CMV, and EBV genome by specific primers. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2 tests.Results:Our findings demonstrated that there is no direct molecular evidence to support the association between HSV, CMV, and EBV and human colorectal malignancies.Conclusion:The results from this study do not exclude a possible oncogenic role of these viruses in neoplastic development of colon cells.

Herpes simplex virus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of medical intensive care unit patients: Association with lung injury and outcome

PurposeIn intensive care unit (ICU) patients in whom bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for suspected infectious pulmonary disease, we investigated the association of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the BALF with lung injury and patient outcome. Materials and methodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we included 201 patients treated in a medical ICU of a German university hospital in whom BALF samples were analyzed for the presence of HSV using quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. ResultsEighty-seven patients (43%) were HSV-negative, and 114 patients (57%) were HSV-positive. At the day of BALF sampling (day 0), there was no clinically relevant (or statistically significant) difference in the Modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score, Lung Injury Score, and single indicator transpulmonary thermodilution–derived extravascular lung water index and pulmonary vascular permeability index between HSV-negative patients and HSV-positive patients or HSV-positive patients with greater than 105 HSV copies/mL. The ICU and hospital length of stay was statistically significantly longer in HSV-positive patients compared with HSV-negative patients. Intensive care unit and hospital mortality was not statistically significantly different between the groups. ConclusionsWe did not find a clinically relevant or statistically significant association of HSV in the BALF of medical ICU patients with lung injury or with ICU and hospital mortality.

OP03ONCOLYTIC HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS INHIBITS PAEDIATRIC HIGH GRADE GLIOMA AND DIFFUSE INTRINSIC PONTINE GLIOMA MIGRATION AND INVASION; MECHANISM AND POTENTIAL FOR CLINICAL APPLICATION

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric high grade glioma (pHGG) and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) are invasive tumours associated with poor survival, and new treatments that target brain tumour invasion are needed. Oncolytic virotherapy, which uses viruses to selectively infect and destroy cancer cells, while stimulating an anti-tumour immune response, offers a novel approach. Here, we evaluate the effect of oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1716 on the migratory behaviour of a panel of pHGG and DIPG cell lines. METHOD: Migratory characteristics were examined using 2D (scratch assay, live cell imaging) and 3D (spheroid invasion in collagen) assays. Cell viability was examined by FACS and WST-1 assays. Levels of acetylated tubulin and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) were evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: HSV (multiplicity of infection 10) resulted in blockade of both migration (24h) and invasion (72h) in all cell lines. No significant cytotoxicity was demonstrated at these time points. pHGG cells demonstrated reduced velocity, loss of polarity and altered morphology in the presence of HSV 1716. HSV 1716 treatment of pHGG cells increased expression of acetylated tubulin (associated with stable rather than dynamic microtubules) and substantially reduced expression of GSK3 (a key regulator of cell migration and microtubule Dynamics). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that HSV 1716 can block migration and invasion of pHGG and DIPG cells in vitro, potentially through microtubule stabilisation and inhibition of GSK3. We propose that oncolytic HSV may have therapeutic benefits for pHGG and DIPG, not only as a cytotoxic and immunogenic treatment, but as an anti-invasive agent, improving outcome for this devastating disease.