Key result
Among 102 patients with meningitis symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid analysis detected HSV-1 in 6 samples, EBV in 5 samples, and VZV in 2 samples.
Why the study?
Viruses likely account for most cases of meningitis, and diagnosing them can reduce antibiotic prescriptions.
What is the prevalence of specific viral infections in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with suspected meningitis in Iran?
Cross-Sectional (n=102)
What is the prevalence of specific viral infections in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with suspected meningitis in Iran?
EBV, HSV-1, and VZV are present in a notable proportion of meningitis patients in Iran, highlighting the importance of viral testing to potentially reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
Viral detection rates in Iranian meningitis suspects are hypothesis-generating; larger prospective studies needed before changing testing practices.
BACKGROUND: Despite medical advances, central nervous system (CNS) diseases put a pressure on the health care system. A number of risk factors, especially infectious agents can accelerate the progression of meningitis. As viruses probably account for most cases of meningitis, the diagnosis of them can reduce antibiotic prescriptions. Among various types of infectious diseases, the relationship between two important virus families, including Picornaviridae and Herpesviridae, and meningitis has attracted attraction. METHODS: In this study, one hundred and two samples were collected from patients who experienced symptoms, such as the loss of consciousness, seizures, muscle weakness, fever, headache, rash, and severe dementia, between November 2018 and September 2019. After RNA and DNA extraction, the prevalence of Enterovirus (EV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and Varicella zoster virus (VZV) was evaluated using PCR, multiplex PCR, and nested PCR. RESULTS: Results indicated that there were two VZV DNA-positive specimens, while six and five samples were infected with HSV-1 and EBV, respectively. CONCLUSION: We reported that the prevalence of EBV, HSV-1, and VZV in patients, suffering from meningitis cannot be ignored; however, further investigation is needed.
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Tavakolian et al. (2021) conducted a cross-sectional in Meningitis (n=102). Viral infection (EV, CMV, EBV, HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV) was evaluated on Prevalence of viral infections in cerebrospinal fluid. Among 102 patients with meningitis symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid analysis detected HSV-1 in 6 samples, EBV in 5 samples, and VZV in 2 samples.
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