Varicella Zoster Virus as a Potential Risk Factor in Stroke: A Pilot Case-Control PCR-Based Investigation

Background and Aim: Viral contributions to cerebrovascular disease are increasingly recognized.Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can cause a variety of pathologies in humans, including stroke, which increases the risk of developing the condition.As part of a broader pilot project on neurotropic herpesviruses (VZV/CMV/HSV), we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of VZV DNA in stroke patients compared with demographically matched controls and to estimate the strength of association. Materials and Methods:In this pilot case-control study, whole blood sample was obtained from 28 consecutive adult stroke patients admitted to ICUs in northern Iran and 28 demographically matched controls without stroke.DNA was extracted and quality-checked by spectrophotometry.VZV DNA was detected by conventional PCR using virus-specific primers.Beta-globin was used as internal control.For the statistical comparisons chi-square test was used.Results & Conclusion: VZV DNA was detected in 7/28 (25.0%) stroke cases and 0/28 (0%) controls (χ² P=0.005).The analysis based on the chi-square test showed a significant association (P=0.005) between the frequency of VZV and stroke with 95% confidence.This pilot study suggests an association between VZV DNA presence and stroke occurrence.Given the limited sample size and cross-sectional design, causality cannot be inferred and reactivation remains a plausible explanation.Larger, time-resolved studies incorporating serology and mechanistic biomarkers are warranted.