Simplex Virus Research Articles

The factors influencing the prognosis of herpes simplex virus encephalitis

Objective To evaluate the factors influencing prognosis and to explore the pathological mechanism in which herpes simplex virus encephalitis(HSE) was one of the severe types of acute viral encephalitis in children and had poor prognosis. Methods Twenty-one children with HSE were diagnosed by the clinical syndrome of focal encep-halitis and HSV DNA-PCR positive in cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) from Jan.2012 to Oct.2013, among whom, 19 patients were treated with intravenous Acyclovir, 30 mg/(kg·d) 48 hours after onset and were followed up for 6 to 24 months.Clinical data were collected including Glasgow Coma Score, the brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), and electroencephalography(EEG). All MRI examinations including plain scan and contrast enhancement were carried out at the beginning of admission and 1 month after the onset of symptoms.The clinical outcomes were divided into two levels according to the severity of the neurological deficit, then the data were analyzed by using Logistic regression and Fisher's exact probability method.The OR value was calculated. Results Eighteen children survived, of whom 5 cases had no neurological deficit(27.8%), 3 cases were left with mild impairment(16.7%), and the above 8 cases were thought to have better outcome.Six cases had moderate impairment(33.3%) and 4 cases had severe impairment(22.2%) and 1 child died, and these 11 cases were thought to have worse outcome.Patients aged between 1 month and 10 years, average(2.03±2.23) years old.The mean GCS score was(9.68±2.65) scores, the GCS of the patients were more than 7 except for one death child with 3 scores.The multiple factor analysis showed that EEG, age, GCS and the range and character in MRI were significantly correlative to the prognosis(P<0.05). The single factor analysis illustrated that age 1-4 years old(OR=30, 95%CI 2.066-366.510, P=0.002), GCS ≤10 scores(OR=27.518, 95%CI 2.066-366.510, P=0.004)and the wide necrosis existence involving diffuse white matter or deep nuclei of MRI findings(OR=12, 95%CI 1.294-111.323, P=0.017) indicated the worse outcome. Conclusions Age, GCS score, nature and damage degree of MRI lesions are the main important factors affecting the prognosis of children's HSE.HSE in children is apt to involve the cortex such as frontal lobe, parietal lobe even diffuse white matter or deep nuclei, which indicates the poor prognosis. Key words: Herpes simplex encephalitis; Child; Prognosis; Magnetic resonance imaging; Follow-up study

Sincerely Yours, Eczema Herpeticum

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) quantitates expressed transcripts, identifies novel transcripts, and detects gene-structure changes, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms, alternate splicing forms, and small insertions and deletions. Now, researchers have used this technology to investigate why some people with atopic dermatitis (AD) develop eczema herpeticum (ADEH). Individuals with ADEH are at risk for disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, which can be fatal. The researchers isolated peripheral blood …

When Is Empiric Acyclovir Indicated for Herpes Encephalitis After the Neonatal Period

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is a potentially devastating infection that frequently results in long-term sequelae. Empiric therapy is often

An experimental study on the immune response induced by a dendritic cell-based vaccine carrying the herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein D gene in mice

Objective To evaluate the specific immune response induced by a dendritic cell-based adenovirus-mediated vaccine carrying the herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein D gene (pAdeno-HSV-2 gD-DC) in BALB/c mice.Methods Forty BALB/c mice were equally divided into four groups:blank control group receiving no treatment,pAdeno-DC group immunized with pAdeno-DC,pAdeno-HSV-2 gD-DC group immunized with the previously constructed vaccine pAdeno-HSV-2 gD-DC,DC group immunized with DCs only.Totally,three rounds of vaccination were conducted at a 7-day interval.Ten days after the last vaccination,serum samples were collected and spleen cells were isolated from these mice.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the level of IgG antibody against HSV-2 gD in the serum samples.Some spleen cells were stimulated with HSV-2 gD protein (10 mg/L) for 72 hours; then,ELISA was carried out to determine the levels of interferon (IFN)-γand interleukin (IL)-4 in the supernatant,and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to estimate the proliferative activity of these cells.The cytotoxicity of spleen cells was also evaluated based on the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release.Results The serum level of IgG antibody against HSV-2 gD (given in the absorbance value at 450 nm) was 0.313 ± 0.034 in the pAdeno-HSV-2 gD-DC group,significantly higher than that in the pAdeno-DC group,DC group and blank control group (0.034 ± 0.009,0.028 ± 0.009 and 0.026 ± 0.010 respectively,all P ＜ 0.05).Increased proliferative activity and cytotoxicity were observed in spleen cells from the pAdeno-HSV-2 gD-DC group compared with those from the pAdeno-DC group,DC group and blank control group (cell stimulation index:1.600 ± 0.215 vs.1.063 ± 0.070,1.056 ± 0.063 and 1.020 ± 0.051,all P ＜ 0.05; percentage of cytotoxicity:37.1％ vs.16.0％,14.9％ and 15.7％,all P ＜ 0.05).The levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 (both given in the absorbance value at 450 nm) were 0.568 ± 0.031 and 0.544-± 0.043 respectively in the supernatant of spleen cells from the pAdeno-HSV-2 gD-DC group,compared to 0.266 ± 0.021 and 0.278 ± 0.037 respectively in the pAdeno-DC group (bothP＜ 0.05),0.271 ± 0.023 and 0.275 ± 0.044 respectively in the DC group (bothP＜ 0.05),and 0.252 ± 0.012 and 0.245 ± 0.051 respectively in the blank control group (both P＜ 0.05).Conclusion The vaccine pAdenoHSV-2 gD-DC could induce a specific and strong immune response in BALB/c mice. Key words: Herpesvirus 2, human; Dendritic cells; Herpes simplex virus vaccines

Investigation of the lethal effect of genetically engineered oncolytic virus on glioma stem cells in vivo

Objective To explore the effect of endostatin and angiostatin (Endo-Angio) fusion gene modified herpes simplex virus (VAE) on glioma stem cells (GSCs) in vivo.Methods Isolated stable GSC-enriched cultures were obtained from human glioblastoma specimens.After that we established orthotopic nude mice models carrying GSCs.The tumor volumes variation was detected by MRI scan.The expression of Endo-Angio fusion gene at mRNA and protein level was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot.At last,the efficacy of fusion protein to microvessel density (MVD) was detected by immunohistochemistry of CD31 after infected by VAE.Results (1) 6 GSCs isolated from 36 surgical specimens could suspend growth and had the ability of self-renewal and multipotential differentiation,and could express neural stem cells marker,CD133.(2) 10 days after treatment with VAE,the intracranial gliomas derived from GSCs showed significant expression of Endo-Angio fusion gene and reduction in microvessel density (MVD) (P ＜0.05).(3)MRI showed that the tumor volumes of intracranial gliomas generated by GSCs were dramatically reduced at 10 days after treatment with VAE compared with controls.(4) There was a significant improvement in the survival time of mice with intracranial gliomas treated with VAE compared with controls (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions VAE showed an oncolytic therapeutic efficacy in animal models of human glioblastoma stem cells and expressed endostatin-angiostatin fusion gene,which enhanced antitumor efficacy by reducing the blood supply for tumors.VAE could be used as a novel virus-gene therapy strategy. Key words: Glioma; Stem cell; Endostatin; Angiostatin ; Oncolytic virus

Tenofovir-Based HIV PrEP Decreases HSV-2 Acquisition

Both herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and HIV are transmitted sexually, and HSV-2 infection potentiates acquisition of HIV. In four randomized, placebo-controlled trials conducted in high-risk populations, daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir alone or in combination with emtricitabine (FTC) has been shown to decrease HIV acquisition in HIV-uninfected sexual …

Association between herpes simplex virus 2 and personality

Association between herpes simplex virus 2 and personality

Related factor analysis on 122 cases of missed miscarriage

Objective To discuss the cause of missed miscarriage,seeking to prevent it.Method We analyzed various related factors through the comparison between 122 cases of missed miscarriage and 100 intended induced abortion women from January to December in 2011.Results The analysis showed that 58.20％ of missed miscarriage was caused by infection,including chlamydozoa trachomatis (CT) and ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) (56.56％),TORCH (toxoplasma,rubella virus,cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus) 1.64％.In contrast,8.00％ of intended induced abortion women were detected infection,including CT and UU,without TORCH.The detection rate of CT and UU in missed miscarriage was significantly higher than that in intended induced abortion (P ＜ 0.05).In other words,CT and UU were closely related to missed miscarriage (P ＜ 0.05),while TORCH was irrelevant (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion CT and UU are closely related to missed miscarriage,which are main causes of missed miscarriage. Key words: Missed miscarriage; Infection; Ureaplasma urealyticum; Chlamydozoa trachomatis; TORCH

Human parechovirus associated sepsis and central nervous system infections in hospitalized children

Human parechovirus (HPeV) is a single-stranded, positive sense RNA virus in the Parechovirus genus within the large family of Picornaviridae. As a possible new pathogen of neonatal sepsis, meningoencephalitis and other infections in young children, HPeV gets more and more attention. This study aimed to better understand the association of HPeV with central nervous system (CNS) infectious diseases and sepsis among hospitalized children in Beijing. A total of 577 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were retrospectively collected from 557 children suspected of CNS infections in 2012. Three hundred and fifty-one of them were male and 206 were female. HPeV was screened by reverse transcription-nested PCR (RT-nPCR) with the universal primers which target the highly conserved 5'UTR. The positive samples were genotyped by amplifying and sequencing for the VP3/VP1 junction region. The sequences were compared with the HPeV sequences from GenBank and performed phylogenetic analysis.Some samples other than CSF from HPeV positive children, including serum, nasopharyngeal aspirate and stool, were collected and carried out screening for HPeV. With the RT-nPCR by universal primers, HPeVs were detected in 18 out of 577 CSF samples obtained from 18 children with a positive rate of 3.1%. The ratio of male and female was 2: 1. There were no statistically significant differences on infection rate between boys (12/351, 3.4%) and girls (6/206, 2.9%). All of 18 positive CSF samples were negative for enterovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV).HPeVs from 10 positive CSF samples were genotyped successfully, consisting of 7 HPeV3 and 3 HPeV1. In addition, 2 of 8 serum samples were positive for HPeV3 and 1 of 2 stool samples were positive for HPeV 1. HPeVs were identified in CSF from children aged from 15 days to 14 years, in which 7 cases were infants younger than 3 months and 5 cases were infants from 3 months to one year. Three children older than the age of 9 years (9, 13 and 14 years) were positive for HPeV. Most of the children (6/8) infected with HPeV3 were younger than 3 months and were diagnosed as sepsis, while the rest of HPeV3 positive children were diagnosed as meningitis and bronchopneumonia. HPeV3 infection clustered in August, while HPeV1 in January. HPeVs were associated with CNS infections and sepsis in hospitalized children in Beijing, especially in children younger than one year.HPeV3 was the predominant type identified in CSF.

Application of laser capture microdissection in the molecular pathological diagnosis of and pathogenesis research on infectious skin diseases

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) technology allows the harvesting of specific cell populations and even single cells by cutting a section of complex and heterogeneous tissue.The DNA,RNA and protein within the cells of interest can be analyzed by using LCM in conjunction with molecular biology techniques,which may improve pathologically diagnostic capability and promote pathogenesis research.In combination with PCR,LCM may be used to assess clonality in cutaneous lymphocytic infiltrates,explore infection pathogenesis,and detect common pathogenic microorganisms such as herpes simplex virus (HSV),varicella zoster virus (VZV),Mycobacterium tuberculosis in skin specimens from patients with infectious dermatoses. Key words: Skin diseases, infectious; Molecular pathology; Laser capture microdissection

The research advances of herpes simplex keratitis following ophthalmic surgery

Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) is the serious complication after ophthalmic surgery which often cause poor surgical effect,visual impairment and even medical tangle.More attention should be paid for it.Herein,we review the causes and clinical manifestation of the disease and summarize the diagnosis and treatment of HSK. Key words: Surgery, ophthalmic ; Keratitis, herpes simplex virus ; Complications

Immunoflourescent assessment of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) type 1 in oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus is one of the most common dermatological diseases presenting in the oral cavity. Hence, viral infection of the oral mucosa may be involved in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus, Taking in to consideration the oncogenic potential of HSV-1, this study aimed to assess the presence of Herpes Simplex Virus type one by direct immunoflourescent in oral lichen planus. This study aimed to assess the presence of HSV type1 by direct immunofluorescent in histopathologically diagnosed OLP Material and Method: Twenty formalin fixed embedded tissue blocks of oral lichen planus with 2 Positive control cases were taken from patients having infection with herpes labialis, US Biological herpes simplex virus-1 Glycoprotein C was used for detection of HSV-1 Ag by direct immunofluorescence assay Results: One case of oral lichen planus showed positivity of HSV 1 with a non- statistical significance. Conclusion: The present study couldn't find any correlation between HSV-1 positivity with clinical and histopathological features of OLP.

Pritelivir for HSV-2 Genital Infections

Nucleoside analogues, which inhibit herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA polymerase following phosphorylation by the viral thymidine kinase, have been a

Interferon Lambda Genetic Polymorphisms and Viral Infection: The Tip of the Iceberg?

Pathogen-host interaction studies have demonstrated the importance of host factors in the pathogenesis of infectious disease. An emerging theme is that polymorphisms in the genes encoding these factors can influence the host response to infection and the course of disease. Genetic variation affecting interferon lambda (IFN-λ) expression is now known to influence the outcome of both hepatitis C virus and herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in humans. IFN-λ is expressed at higher levels in organs with high epithelial cell content such as the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Interestingly, data from animal models show that IFN-λ contributes to host control of viruses infecting these sites, including influenza A virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and rotavirus. Furthermore, defective IFN-λ production by humans with asthma impairs the control of rhinovirus infection. We hypothesize that genetic variation of IFN-λ could potentially influence the course of disease during infection with many viruses that infect epithelial cells.

Value of detection of anti-herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies in the diagnosis of genital herpes before in vitro fertilization

Objective To determine the prevalent herpes simplex virus (HSV) strain in patients with genital herpes (GH),and to evaluate the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of anti-herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) IgG and IgM antibodies in the diagnosis of genital herpes (GH) before in vitro fertilization (IVF).Methods Totally,193 HSV2 clinical strains isolated in cell culture from the lesions of patients with GH in the Department of Dermatology,First Affiliated Hospital,Sun Yat-sen University between 2009 and 2011 were typed by using type-specific fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled anti-HSV monoclonal antibodies.Serum samples were obtained from 57 anti-HSV2 IgM/IgG antibody-positive females with suspected GH as well as their husbands (clinical observation group),68 HSV culture-positive patients diagnosed with GH (positive control group),and 120 children aged 8-12 years (negative control group).Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect anti-HSV1/HSV2 IgG/IgM antibodies in these serum samples.Statistical analysis was carried out using chi-square test.Results There was a significant difference between the positive control group and negative control group in the positivity rate of anti-HSV1 IgG (89.71％ (61/68) vs.40.80％ (49/120),P ＜ 0.01) and anti-HSV2 IgG (91.18％ (62/68) vs.0,P ＜ 0.01),but not in that of anti-HSV1 IgM (20.59％ (14/68) vs.21.70％ (26/120),P ＞ 0.05) or anti-HSV2 lgM (13.24％ (9/68)vs.13.30％ (16/120),P ＞ 0.05).In the clinical observation group,the positivity rate of anti-HSV1 and anti-HSV2 IgM antibodies,anti-HSV1 and anti-HSV2 IgG antibodies was 80.70％ (46/57),91.23％ (52/57),84.21％ (48/57) and 14.04％ (8/57) respectively in the females,19.30％ (11/57),8.77％ (5/57),87.71％ (50/57),12.28％ (7/57)respectively in the males,with significant differences in the positivity rate of anti-HSV1 and-HSV2 IgM antibodies (both P ＜ 0.01),but not in that of anti-HSV 1 or-HSV2 IgG antibodies (both P ＞ 0.05).The sensitivity,specificity,PPV and NPV were 13.24％ (9/68),86.67％ (104/120),36.00％ (9/25) and 63.80％ (104/163) respectively for anti-HSV2 IgM antibody in the diagnosis of GH,91.18％ (62/68),100.00％ (120/120),100.00％ (62/62),and 95.24％ (120/126) respectively for anti-HSV2 IgG antibody.Conclusions HSV2 prevails in the patients with GH in this region,while HSV1 only amounts to 5.18％.The type-specific anti-HSV2 IgG antibody shows a higher specificity,sensitivity,PPV and NPV in the diagnosis of GH than anti-HSV2 IgM antibody,hence,the type-specific anti-HSV2 IgG antibody is superior to anti-HSV2 IgM antibody in diagnosing GH before assisted reproduction. Key words: Herpes genitalis; Simplex virus; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M

The Scarlet H

The Scarlet H

Analysis of pathogen spectrum of Encephalitis/Meningitis in northwestern area of China

To learn the characteristics of pathogen spectrum of Encephalitis /Meningitis in northwestern area of China. Between January 1st 2009 and March 31st 2011, a total of 569 patients with clinical symptoms of Encephalitis/Meningitis were selected from the hospitals in Gansu, Qinghai,Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang province. 1514 samples of specimen were collected from the 515 patients, to detect the IgM of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), enterovirus (EV, including Coxsackie virus, ECHO virus and enterovirus 71), Mumps virus, Herpes simplex virus (HSV) in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Meanwhile, Neisseria meningitis (Nm), Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib), Staphylococcus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus Suis, E. Coli and Cryptococci were also identified. The detection results were analyzed by different region, time and age range. Pathogenic bacteria were identified in the specimen from 16 patients, with the rate at 3.65%, of which the dominant ones were Streptococcus pneumonia (7 patients, 43.75%). Virus were identified in the specimen from 132 patients, with the rate at 27.05%, of which the dominant types were EV and HSV, accounting for 33.33% (44 cases) and 31.82% (42 cases) respectively. The detection rate of virus showed a significant seasonal trend, with the peak appearing between June and November each year. The peak of EV detection was between July and September, with 24 cases detected out; the peak of HSV was between June and August (11 cases detected out); mumps virus was mainly found between July and December (25 cases). There was no significant time-distribution found in the detection of bacteria. The EV and HSV were mainly distributed in Gansu and Qinghai province (70 cases) ;most of mumps virus were found in Gansu province (24 cases);and JEV were only found in Gansu province (20 cases). The viral pathogen spectrum was identified in all ages, and the EV and mumps virus were mainly found in children aged 0-14 years old (42 and 17 cases respectively) ; JEV were identified in people over 15 years old, with 13 detected out of the 20 patients. The main pathogen of acute encephalitis and meningitis in northwestern area of China was virus, and the main pathogens of encephalitis and meningitis in children under 15 years were Herpes simplex virus and Mumps virus.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among men who have sex with men in some cities of Jiangsu province

Objective To estimate the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in some cities of Jiangsu province.Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out among MSM attending gay bars in some cities of Jiangsu province.Participants underwent screening for STDs in accordance with their personal wishes.Urethral swabs,first void urine and blood samples were collected at these survey sites and delivered to the STD research laboratory for testing.Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to assess factors associated with STDs.Results A total of 388 subjects completed the questionnaire and underwent physical examination and STD screening.Of these subjects,45.6％ had only homosexual behavior.Examination of urine or urethral swab specimens showed that the prevalence rate was 1.3％ (5/388),9.4％ (36/385),17.2％ (66/384) and 28.1％ (109/388) for Neisseda gonorrhoeae,Chlamydia trachomatis,Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum infection respectively.Serological tests revealed that the positivity rate was 1.0％ (4/388) for anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)antibody,18.8％(73/388) for Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA),12.1％(47/388) for rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test,9.8％ (38/388) for human herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2-IgG,9.8％ (38/388) for hepatitis B surface antigen,1.0％ (4/388) for anti-hepatitis C virus antibody and 2.1％ (8/388) for anti-hepatitis E virus antibody.Multivariate analysis indicated that Chlamydia trachomatis infection was independently and significantly associated with polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMNL) counts in urethral swab smears (adjusted odds ratio (AOR):5.30,95％ CI:2.04-13.77,P ＜ 0.01),Mycoplasma genitalium infection was significantly associated with age (AOR:2.84,95％ CI:1.17-6.87,P＜ 0.05),PMNL counts in urethral swab smears (AOR:2.37,95％ CI:1.01-557,P＜ 0.05) and urethral discomfort in the past three months (AOR:2.43,95％ CI.1.18-5.02,P＜ 0.05),and syphilis (defined as a positive TPPA and RPR test) was associated with age (AOR:2.46,95％ CI:1.05-5.75,P ＜ 0.05) and seropositivity for anti-HSV-2 antibodies (AOR:3.70,95％ CI:1.62-8.44,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions There is a high prevalence of STDs among MSM attending gay bars in some cities of Jiangsu province,with Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium as the most common pathogens of urethritis. Key words: Homosexuality, male; Sexually transmitted diseases; Sexual behavior

Loss to follow-up and associated factors in a cohort study among men who have sex with men

To explore the associated factors on loss to follow-up among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a prospective cohort study. We recruited eligible HIV-negative MSM at baseline in eight cities from June to October 2009. Interviewer-administrated questionnaire and blood testings for HIV, syphilis and human simplex virus type 2, were accomplished upon enrollment, 6-month and 12-month follow-up visits in the program. Loss to follow-up was recorded at each visit in this cohort. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were conducted to examine the associated factors on loss to follow-up. A total of 3196 eligible MSM were enrolled at the baseline study. During one year of follow-up, 894 (28.0%) of them dropped out thoroughly while 2302 (72.1%) showed up at least on one visit. Factors as MSM who were at age 25 or younger, resided locally less than 1 year, being unemployed, self-recognized as heterosexuality or bisexuality, never taking HIV testing in the past year, having had sex with women in the past 6 months etc., were more likely to withdraw from the follow-up visits. Conclusion Age, length of residency, sex orientation and history of HIV testing were associated with the loss of follow-up among MSM cohort in our study. These factors should be considered in this kind of study design in the future.

Genital HSV Infection Worsens Right After ART Initiation

The interaction between HIV and herpes simplex virus (HSV) follows the pattern of many other coinfections: Each condition tends to exacerbate the other. Still, although it is generally accepted that untreated HIV infection worsens the frequency and severity of genital HSV outbreaks, little research has addressed the patterns of genital HSV infection right after antiretroviral therapy (ART) is begun. …