scholarly journals Epidemiology Profile of Viral Meningitis Infections Among Patients in Qatar (2015–2018)

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilu Mathew ◽  
Hebah A. Al Khatib ◽  
Khalid Al Ansari ◽  
Joanne Nader ◽  
Gheyath K. Nasrallah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Viral Meningitis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Cns Infection ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
Epstein Barr

Background: Little is known about the etiology of meningitis in the MENA region, including Qatar. Viral agents are considered the major cause for meningitis worldwide. Here, we present primary data about the etiology and clinical and demographic characteristics of viral meningitis (VM) in Qatar between 2015 and 2018.Methods: We retrospectively collected data from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), which provides about 80% of healthcare services in Qatar. Data were collected for the period between 2015 and 2018. During this time period, 6,705 specimens were collected from patients with suspected meningitis attending HMC and primary healthcare centers. These specimens were tested for a panel of viruses using the “FTD Viral meningitis” multiplex real-time PCR kit that detects Adenovirus (ADV), Human herpesvirus 1&2 (HSV1 and HSV2), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Enteroviruses (EV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Varicella zoster virus (VZV), and Parechovirus (PV).Results: Only 10.9% (732/6,705) of all suspected meningitis cases were caused by viral agents. 60.9% of the reported cases were males, compared to 39.1% in females. Most of the infections (73.9%) were reported in children younger than 10 years of age. EV were identified as the main causative agent (68.7%), followed by EBV (7.5%) and ADV (6.8%). Other viral agents including VZV, PV, HSV-1, and HSV-2 were also detected with a lower frequency. Confirmed VM were more prevalent among Qatari subjects compared to other nationalities. We observed no specific seasonality of viral agents, but a slight rise was recorded during the spring seasons (March to June). Fever (59.4%, 435/732) and acute central nervous system (CNS) infection (15.6%, 114/732) were initial symptoms of most cases.Conclusion: This is the first report about the molecular epidemiology of VM in Qatar. In line with the international records, our data showed that EV is responsible for 68.7% of Qatar's VM cases. Further studies are needed to genotype and serotype the identified viruses.

scholarly journals Association of infections with multiple sclerosis in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a review

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 030006051988415
Author(s):  
O Al Wutayd
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Arabian Gulf ◽  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Gulf Cooperation Council ◽  
Gulf Region ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Serological Studies ◽  
Epstein Barr

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. Infection can play a role in its etiology. Herein, a review is presented of studies that have reported an association between infection and MS risk in countries of the Arabian Gulf region. Searches of the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases were carried out using various search terms, and relevant studies published through January 2019 on the epidemiology of MS in Gulf Cooperation Council countries identified. MS has been found to be associated with measles in Saudi Arabia and Epstein–Barr virus in Kuwait whereas no association has been identified between risk of MS and varicella-zoster virus, mumps, or human herpesvirus-6. However, few epidemiological studies on this topic have been conducted in countries of the Gulf region. Longitudinal and serological studies to establish robust evidence between infection and risk of MS are highly recommended, and a regional MS registry is needed.

scholarly journals Analytical methods in herpesvirus genomics

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-118
Author(s):  
Jana Blaškovičová ◽  
Ján Labuda
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Methods ◽  
Genome Structure ◽  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
And Function ◽  
Analytical Approaches

Abstract Genomics is a branch of bioanalytical chemistry characterized as the study of the genome structure and function. Genome represents the complete set of chromosomal and extrachromosomal genes of an organism, a cell, an organelle or a virus. There are at least five from eight species of herpesviruses commonly widespread among humans, Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, Varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus and Cytomegalovirus. Human gammaherpesviruses can cause serious diseases including B-cell lymphoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Diagnostics and study of the herpesviruses is directly dependent on the development of modern analytical methods able to detect and determine the presence and evolution of herpesviral particles/ genomes. Diagnostics and genomic characterization of human herpesvirus species is based on bioanalytical methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, gel electrophoresis, blotting and others. The progress in analytical approaches in the herpesvirus genomics is reviewed in this article.

scholarly journals Herpesvirus Infections of the Central Nervous System

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (03) ◽  
pp. 369-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tehmina Bharucha ◽  
Catherine F. Houlihan ◽  
Judith Breuer
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Simplex Virus

AbstractThere are over 200 herpesvirus species, of which 10 affect humans. Each of these 10 herpesviruses has a unique clinical syndrome, but common to all is their ability to cause infection and pathology in the central nervous system. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment, sequelae, and availability of vaccination of each of the following herpesviruses: herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus, human cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6A, 6B, and 7, Epstein–Barr virus, human herpesvirus 8, and simian herpesvirus B.

scholarly journals Inhibition of Herpesvirus Replication by 5-Substituted 4′-Thiopyrimidine Nucleosides

2009 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 5251-5258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark N. Prichard ◽  
Debra C. Quenelle ◽  
Caroll B. Hartline ◽  
Emma A. Harden ◽  
Geraldine Jefferson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Good Activity ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
Hsv 1

ABSTRACT A series of 4′-thionucleosides were synthesized and evaluated for activities against orthopoxviruses and herpesviruses. We reported previously that one analog, 5-iodo-4′-thio-2′-deoxyuridine (4′-thioIDU), exhibits good activity both in vitro and in vivo against two orthopoxviruses. This compound also has good activity in cell culture against many of the herpesviruses. It inhibited the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, and varicella-zoster virus with 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) of 0.1, 0.5, and 2 μM, respectively. It also inhibited the replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) with an EC50 of 5.9 μM but did not selectively inhibit Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, or human herpesvirus 8. While acyclovir-resistant strains of HSV-1 and HSV-2 were comparatively resistant to 4′-thioIDU, it retained modest activity (EC50s of 4 to 12 μM) against these strains. Some ganciclovir-resistant strains of HCMV also exhibited reduced susceptibilities to the compound, which appeared to be related to the specific mutations in the DNA polymerase, consistent with the observed incorporation of the compound into viral DNA. The activity of 4′-thioIDU was also evaluated using mice infected intranasally with the MS strain of HSV-2. Although there was no decrease in final mortality rates, the mean length of survival after inoculation increased significantly (P < 0.05) for all animals receiving 4′-thioIDU. The findings from the studies presented here suggest that 4′-thioIDU is a good inhibitor of some herpesviruses, as well as orthopoxviruses, and this class of compounds warrants further study as a therapy for infections with these viruses.

scholarly journals 2169. An Algorithm-Based Approach Reduces Overuse of Meningitis/Encephalitis Multiplex PCR Panel

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S736-S736
Author(s):  
Melissa R Gitman ◽  
Michael D Nowak ◽  
Allison Navis ◽  
Emilia Mia. Sordillo
Keyword(s):  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Rapid Diagnosis ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
True Infection ◽  
Testing Algorithm ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
Test Ordering

Abstract Background Syndromic molecular panels enable rapid diagnosis and optimized management of infections with significant morbidity and mortality, but may be overused without clear guidelines. A recent report indicated there was little clinical suspicion of infection in up to 1/3 of cases for which a FILMARRAY® Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel (ME Panel, bioMérieux) was ordered. We recently implemented the ME Panel in our multicenter health system. We assessed ME Panel use for the 6-month period following test implementation. Methods A testing algorithm was developed, vetted with our system-wide Infectious Diseases (ID) and Neuro-ID Services, and used as the basis for the education of the Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Hospitalist, Pediatric, and Critical Care Medicine Services. Algorithm elements were embedded in the electronic medical record (EMR). Lab records and EMRs were reviewed for all patients tested by ME Panel or cerebrospinal (CSF) culture. Lab results, baseline demographic and underlying medical history, and results of singleplex viral PCR CSF tests and the multiplex NY State Encephalitis PCR Panel (NYS Panel, Wadsworth Laboratory, Albany, NY) were recorded. ME Panel results were compared with other findings. Results 115 ME Panels were performed, with 5 (4%) positives [1 N.meningitidis, 1 H.influenzae, 1 cytomegalovirus (CMV), 1 Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), and 1 varicella zoster virus (VZV)]. Other findings were consistent with true infection for the N. meningitis, HSV and VZV; the CMV was likely reactivation. Significance of the H. influenzae was unclear. There were 830 CSF cultures, with 38 (4%) positive; 5 of the 38 were ME Panel targets. 29 NYS Panels were sent [1 positive each for Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)]. Finally, 7 singleplex PCRs were positive [5 HSV, 1 CMV and 1 HHV6], including one negative by ME Panel. Conclusion We did not find ME Panel overuse; rather, we found several cases for which the ME Panel could have given a more rapid diagnosis. We did identify areas for improvement in test ordering, such as minimizing duplicate testing (e.g., singleplex PCR) A multi-disciplinary approach engaging stakeholders in the lab, ID and Neuro-ID can assist appropriate test utilization and diagnostic stewardship. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Comparative Activities of Lipid Esters of Cidofovir and Cyclic Cidofovir against Replication of Herpesviruses In Vitro

2005 ◽  
Vol 49 (9) ◽  
pp. 3724-3733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie L. Williams-Aziz ◽  
Caroll B. Hartline ◽  
Emma A. Harden ◽  
Shannon L. Daily ◽  
Mark N. Prichard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Cytomegalovirus ◽  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Murine Cytomegalovirus ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Lipid Ester ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Simplex Virus

ABSTRACT Cidofovir (CDV) is an effective therapy for certain human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections in immunocompromised patients that are resistant to other antiviral drugs, but the compound is not active orally. To improve oral bioavailability, a series of lipid analogs of CDV and cyclic CDV (cCDV), including hexadecyloxypropyl-CDV and -cCDV and octadecyloxyethyl-CDV and -cCDV, were synthesized and found to have multiple-log-unit enhanced activity against HCMV in vitro. On the basis of the activity observed with these analogs, additional lipid esters were synthesized and evaluated for their activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, human cytomegalovirus, murine cytomegalovirus, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and HHV-8. Using several different in vitro assays, concentrations of drug as low as 0.001 μM reduced herpesvirus replication by 50% (EC50) with the CDV analogs, whereas the cCDV compounds were generally less active. In most of the assays performed, the EC50 values of the lipid esters were at least 100-fold lower than the EC50 values for unmodified CDV or cCDV. The lipid analogs were also active against isolates that were resistant to CDV, ganciclovir, or foscarnet. These results indicate that the lipid ester analogs are considerably more active than CDV itself against HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV, HHV-6, and HHV-8 in vitro, suggesting that they may have potential for the treatment of infections caused by a variety of herpesviruses.

Herpesviridae Seropositivity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: First Polish Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 80 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 229-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Czarnowska ◽  
Katarzyna Kapica-Topczewska ◽  
Olga Zajkowska ◽  
Renata Świerzbińska ◽  
Monika Chorąży ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
The Impact

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that leads to inflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration. Viral aetiology has been suspected to be an MS trigger for a long time, and herpesviruses (HSs) are among the potential pathogens involved. Objectives: The present investigation aims to detect the presence of antibodies against the herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) in the serum of MS patients and control individuals in north-eastern Poland. Method: Plasma was collected from 141 MS patients and 44 blood donors who served as the control group. These individuals were assessed for the presence of antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The statistical analysis showed a higher probability of EBV (p = 0.037, OR 4.359) and HHV6 (p = 0.020, OR 3.343) antibody presence in patients with MS compared to that in the control group. In the MS patient group, the prevalence of CMV IgG antibodies was significantly higher in females (p = 0.025). Patients who tested positive for anti-EBV IgG were diagnosed 7.9 years earlier than patients who tested negative for anti-EBV IgG (p = 0.048). Conclusions: The study showed that MS patients in north-eastern Poland were more likely to be seropositive for EBV and HHV6 than healthy individuals. Further work should be undertaken in other regions of Poland and other European countries with particular attention paid to testing seropositivity in all HSs, particularly in the MS patient population, to evaluate the impact of HSs on MS patients in different environments.

scholarly journals Mechanisms of Viral Infections Associated with HIV

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.M. Tugizov ◽  
J.Y. Webster-Cyriaque ◽  
S. Syrianen ◽  
A. Chattopadyay ◽  
H. Sroussi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Simplex ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Human Herpesvirus 8 ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Herpesvirus 8 ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Simplex Virus

HIV infection is commonly associated with activation and dissemination of several other viral pathogens, including herpes simplex virus 1/2, human cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 8, Epstein-Barr virus, Varicella Zoster virus, and human papillomavirus, which behave as opportunistic agents and cause various diseases in immunocompromised hosts. The increased frequency and severity of diseases caused by these viruses in HIV-infected individuals is due mainly to dysfunction of both the adaptive and innate immune responses to viral pathogens. In addition, molecular interactions between HIV and these opportunistic viruses are likely to play critical roles in the progression of disease, including neoplasia. This report reviews the critical aspects of HIV interaction with opportunistic viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus, human cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, Varicella Zoster virus, human herpesvirus 8, and human papillomavirus.

scholarly journals Amplification of the Six Major Human Herpesviruses from Cerebrospinal Fluid by a Single PCR

1999 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 950-953 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Minjolle ◽  
C. Michelet ◽  
I. Jusselin ◽  
M. Joannes ◽  
F. Cartier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Consensus Sequences ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
Hsv 1

We used a novel type of primer system, a system that uses stair primers, in which the primer sequences are based on consensus sequences in the DNA polymerase gene of herpesvirus to detect herpesviruses by PCR. A single PCR in a single tube detected the six major herpesviruses that infect the central nervous system: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and type 2 (HSV-2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). We used the technique to analyze 142 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples that had been stored at −80°C and compared the results with those obtained previously for the same samples by standard, targeted PCR. Four hundred one targeted PCR tests had been run with the 142 samples to detect HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, and VZV; screening for EBV and HHV-6 was not prescribed when the samples were initially taken. Eighteen CSF samples tested positive by classic targeted PCR. The herpesvirus consensus PCR detected herpesviruses in 37 samples, including 3 samples with coinfections and 17 viral isolates which were not targeted. Two samples identified as infected by the targeted PCR tested negative by the consensus PCR, and eight samples that tested positive by the consensus PCR were negative by the targeted PCR. One hundred three samples scored negative by both the targeted and the consensus PCRs. This preliminary study demonstrates the value of testing for six different herpesviruses simultaneously by a sensitive and straightforward technique rather than screening only for those viruses that are causing infections as suggested by clinical signs.

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