ABSTRACT

       Background and Objective: Herpes simplex encephalitis is a life-threatening consequence of the central nervous system (CNS) infection with Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Although it is a rare disease, mortality rates reach 70% in the absence of therapy and only a minority of individuals can return to normal function. The aim of this study was to determine possible correlation between HSV infection and the incidence of encephalitis in patients with neurological signs.

        Methods: Overall, 152 CSF samples were tested from patients with neurological signs referred to Mahdieh Clinical Laboratory in Isfahan from 2010 to 2013. After cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection, DNA was extracted and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for HSV detection.

          Results: Of 152 patients tested, 50 were diagnosed with encephalitis. HSV DNA was present in the CSF of 13 patients with encephalitis. HSV was significantly higher (p< 0.05) in patients with encephalitis, which shows the significance of infection as an etiological factor of this disease. About 60% of the encephalitis cases were in age range of 1-24 months.

         Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, Cesarean section is recommended for HSV-positive mothers. A routine real-time PCR test is suggested for HSV detection in patients with encephalitis to avoid unnecessary antiviral treatments.

       

ABSTRACT
        Background and Objectives: Previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between viral infections and risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) in patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy control individuals using PCR and ELISA.
          Methods: Blood samples were taken from 180 diabetic patients and 187 healthy controls referred to the Pasteur medical laboratory in Tonekabon, in 2016. Human beta-globin gene was used as internal control to ensure extraction accuracy. Specific primers were used for amplification of the UL30 gene. In addition, level of anti-HSV IgG antibody was measured using a commercial ELISA kit (Euroimmun, Germany).
         Results: DNA of HSV was found in the samples of 11 patients (6.1%) and five healthy controls (2.7%). In addition, anti-HSV IgG was found in the samples of 117 patients (65%) and 108 healthy controls (57.75%). There was a statistically significant relationship between frequency of anti-HSV IgG and diabetes.
          Conclusion: Similar to previous studies, the present study demonstrated a relationship between frequency of HSV infection and type 2 diabetes. However, further studies should be performed to eliminate the effect of other risk factors to help clarify the exact role of viral infections in increasing the risk of diabetes.
            Keywords: Diabetes, Herpes Simplex Virus, ELISA, PCR.