Cytokine Dynamics and Herpesvirus Interactions in Pediatric Liver and Kidney Transplant Recipients: The Distinct Behavior of HCMV, HHV6, HHV7 and EBV.

Pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients face a challenging balance between immunosuppression and graft rejection. While Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (HCMV) are known contributors to post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease and graft rejection, respectively, the roles of herpesvirus 6 and 7 (HHV6 and HHV7) and the impact of these herpesviruses on cytokine levels remain unclear, leading to gaps in clinical practice. In this associative study, we measured 17 cytokines using a Bio-Plex assay in a meticulously curated plasma sample pool (N = 158) from pediatric kidney and liver transplant recipients over a one-year follow-up period. The samples included virus-negative and virus-positive cases, either individually or in combination, along with episodes of graft rejection. We observed that the elevation of IL-4, IL-8, and IL-10 correlated with graft rejection. These cytokines were elevated in samples where HCMV or HHV6 were detected alone or where EBV and HHV7 were co-detected. Interestingly, latent EBV, when detected independently, exhibited an immunomodulatory effect by downregulating cytokine levels. However, in co-detection scenarios with ß-herpesviruses, EBV transitioned to a lytic state, also associating with heightened cytokinemia and graft rejection. These findings highlight the complex interactions between the immune response and herpesviruses in transplant recipients. The study advocates for enhanced monitoring of not only EBV and HCMV but also HHV6 and HHV7, providing valuable insights for improved risk assessment and targeted interventions in pediatric SOT recipients.

Herpesvirus and neurological manifestations in patients with severe coronavirus disease.

BACKGROUND: Certain clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mimic those associated with human herpesvirus (HHV) infection. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of herpesvirus in patients with COVID-19 and determined if coinfection is associated with poorer outcomes and neurological symptoms. METHODS: We analyzed samples of 53 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The samples were evaluated for the presence of alphaherpesviruses, betaherpesviruses, and gammaherpesviruses, and the viral loads were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. RESULTS: Among the patients, in 79.2% had detection at least one type of herpesvirus. HHV-6 (47.2%), cytomegalovirus (43.3%), and HHV-7 (39.6%) showed the highest detection rates. Patients with a high severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) load were more likely to show herpes simplex virus 1 detection (p = 0.037). Among patients coinfected with SARS-CoV-2 and HHVs, 26.4% showed central nervous system-associated neurological symptoms and herpetic manifestations. A statistically significant association was observed between neurological changes and HHV-6 detection (p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed a high prevalence of herpesvirus in patients with COVID-19. Furthermore, even though SARS-CoV-2 and HHV coinfection was not associated with poorer outcomes, the findings demonstrated the association between neurological symptoms and HHV-6 detection.

Pityriasis rosea-like cutaneous eruption as a possible dermatological manifestation after Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine: Case report and brief literature review.

Pityriasis rosea (PR) has been manifested in patients suffering from COVID-19 as well as after vaccine protocols against SARS-CoV-2. It has a possible association with the HHV-6B virus (roseola infantum) and can be controlled by antivirals such as acyclovir as well as by the amino acid l-Lysine that showed a positive result in reducing the number of lesions and healing time. The aim of this study was to report a case of PR after a second dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca, the adopted therapy and a brief literature review. A 53-year-old woman, phototype II, presented an erythematous lesion in the posterior right thigh 15 days after the second dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Eight days after the initial injury, new injuries appeared in the calf, buttocks and thighs. The diagnosis was PR with a 5-week eruption cycle. The treatment consisted of the use of l-Lysine, 3 grams loading dose and 500 mg for 30 days and moisturizing/healing lotion, starting 14 days after the herald patch. After the 5th week of the disease cycle, there were no new eruptions and the repair cycle continued for up to 8 weeks leaving some residual skin spots. It is concluded that the patient may be a carrier a latent virus, HHV-6, and the vaccine administration with immune system stimulation, would have activated the possible virus causing PR. l-Lysine helped to control the manifestation by limiting the number of lesions and their location, which were restricted to the legs, thighs and buttocks.

L-lysine therapy to control the clinical evolution of pityriasis rosea: Clinical case report and literature review.

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a dermatological disease with an erythemato-papulosquamous manifestation, distributed on the trunk and extremities affecting healthy people, especially children and young people between 10 and 35 years of age. The evolution is 6 to 8 weeks and may remain for 3 to 6 months. It regresses spontaneously and can leave changes in the skin color but reversibly. Acyclovir is indicated to minimize clinical manifestations with the suspected of viral association (HHV-6 and 7). Another group of the human herpesvirus family (HHV-1 and 2), causes herpes simplex that is controlled with the antivirals, including acyclovir, as well as the amino acid L-lysine, both showing positive and similar results in reducing the number of annual manifestations and the healing time of the lesions. The aim of this study is to report a case of PR in a child, to review the literature on the etiopathogenesis of the disease and on the effects of L-lysine as well as another amino acid in the treatment. An 11-year-old girl, phototype II, presented lesions diagnosed as PR. The cycle would be 6 to 8 weeks on average. A solution of L-lysine was prescribed for 30 days, on an empty stomach. After the fourth day of therapy, the cycle of new eruptions was interrupted, initial lesions regressed, accelerating the repair of larger lesions resulting in an improvement of the clinical condition. We concluded that the administration of L-lysine, in therapeutic doses, can be a safe alternative for the PR control.

Deteção de citomegalovirus, herpesvirus humano 6 e herpesvirus humano 7 em amostras de lesões em glândula salivar parafinadas / Detection of cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6 and human herpesvirus 7 in paraffin salivary gland lesion samples

Guimarães Os vírus têm sido considerados como importantes patógenos no desenvolvimento de neoplasias em glândulas salivares, dentre estes, destacam-se os Betaherpesvirus humano como o Citomegalovirus humano (HCMV), Herpesvirus humano 6 (HHV-6) e Herpesvirus humano 7 (HHV-7). Os betaherpesvírus são característicos por apresentarem alta prevalência na população mundial, sem apresentar sazonalidade, capazes de causar infecção latente e reativação viral em seus hospedeiros. Devido a detecção destes vírus em amostras de saliva, tem sido proposto em alguns estudos a ação de betaherpesvírus em algumas patogenias de glândulas salivares, como a formação de patogenias nestes órgãos. Neoplasias em glândulas salivares representam cerca de 3-6% de todas as neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço, com incidência mundial anual de aproximadamente 0,4-13,5% por 100.000 indivíduos. Apesar de haver dados de detecção de betaherpesvírus em neoplasias salivares e em amostras de saliva, ainda existem estudos insuficientes que explorem o papel destes vírus nestas patogenias salivares. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença dos Betaherpesvirus humano (HCMV, HHV-6 e HHV-7) em neoplasias de glândula salivar parafinadas. Um ensaio de qPCR foi realizado para amplificação das regiões U54, U56 e U37 do HCMV, HHV-6 e HHV-7, respectivamente para quantificar a carga viral em 68 amostras parafinadas de lesões salivares. Dentre as 68 amostras processadas, 51,4% eram de mucocele (35/68), 39,7% de adenoma pleomórfico (27/68) e 8,8% de carcinoma mucoepidermoóide (6/68). A detecção de betaherpesvírus nestas lesões foi alta, apresentando maior detecção para HCMV com 52,9%, 47,05% para HHV-6 e 39,7% para HHV-7, possuindo predominância de detecção de betaherpesvírus na lesão do tipo adenoma pleomórfico. Foi observado que 50,0% das amostras apresentaram tripla-infecção por HCMV/HHV-6/HHV-7, sendo detectado 20,0% de coinfecções por HCMV/HHV-6, 20,0% de HCMV/HHV-7 e 10,0% de HHV-6/HHV-7, com coinfecções ocorrendo na lesão do tipo adenoma pleomórfico em maior taxa. A alta detecção de HCMV, HHV-6 e HHV-7 em glândulas salivares, indica que este órgão pode ser possível de sítio de replicação destes vírus

The viruses have been considered as important pathogens in the development of neoplasms in salivary glands, between these, Human betaherpesvirus such as Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) stand out. Betaherpesvirus is characteristic because they have a high prevalence in the world population, without presenting seasonality, capable of causing latent infection and viral reactivation in their hosts. Due to the detection of these viruses in saliva samples, the action of betaherpesvirus in some pathogenesis of salivary glands, such as the formation of pathogenesis in these organs, has been proposed in some studies. Salivary gland neoplasms account for about 3-6% of all head and neck neoplasms, with an annual worldwide incidence of approximately 0,4-13,5% per 100,000 individuals. Although there are data for the detection of betaherpesvirus in salivary neoplasms and saliva samples, thereare still insufficient studies exploring the role of these viruses in these salivary pathogeneses. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of human Betaherpesvirus (HCMV, HHV-6 and HHV-7) in paraffin salivary gland neoplasms. A qPCR assay was performed to amplify the U54, U56 and U37 regions of HCMV, HHV-6 and HHV-7, respectively to quantify the viral load in 68 paraffin samples of salivary lesions. Among the 68 samples processed,51,4%were mucocele (35/68), 39.7% pleomorphic adenoma (27/68) and 8,8% mucoepidermoid carcinoma (6/68). The detection of betaherpesvirus in these lesions was high, presenting higher detection for HCMV with 52,9%, 47,05% for HHV6 and 39,7% for HHV-7, with predominance of detection of betaherpesvirus in the lesion of the pleomorphic adenoma type. It was observed that 50.0% of the samples presented triple-infection by HCMV/HHV-6/HHV-7, and 20.0% of co-infections by HCMV/HHV-6, 20.0% of HCMV/HHV-7 and 10.0% of HHV-6/HHV-7 were detected, with co-infections occurring with higher predominance of pleomorphic adenoma lesion. The high detection of HCMV, HHV-6 and HHV-7 in salivary glands indicates that this organ may be possible from replication site.

Active human herpesvirus infections in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus and correlation with the SLEDAI score.

BACKGROUND: Human herpesviruses (HHVs) are responsible for a significant number of clinical manifestations in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of active HHV infections in SLE patients and correlating them with disease activity. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 71 SLE patients and their DNAs were extracted and analyzed to detect HHV-DNA viruses using the nucleic acid amplification technique. RESULTS: Fifteen out of the 71 (21.1%) patients tested positive for the HHV-DNA virus. Of them, 11/15 HHV-DNA-positive patients (73.3%) had SLE activity index (SLEDAI - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) ≥8 (p = 0.0001). Active HCMV infection was the mostly frequently observed infection, occurring in 6/15 patients (40%). The frequencies of other active viral infections were 22% for HSV-1, 16.7% for HHV-7, and 5.5% for HSV-2. Viral coinfection (two or more viruses detected in the same sample) occurred in three patients (16.7%). Active HHV infections in SLE patients are more frequent in those with active SLE (≥8), who is at high risk of HHV reactivation and HCMV disease. CONCLUSION: Viral surveillance is important to identify active HHV infections that can cause clinical symptoms and other complication in SLE patients.

Herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia in renal transplant recipients: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to assess the oral shedding and viremia of human herpesviruses in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: This is a cohort study in which the participants were examined in three different periods: the first within 24 hours before renal transplantation and the second and third ones 15-20 and 45-60 days after the transplantation. Mouthwash and blood samples were collected in each period and then submitted to screening for the presence of eight types of human herpesviruses by using multiplex PCR. RESULTS: HSV-1 and EBV were more frequent in the saliva after renal transplantation, 15- to 20-day period after the transplant. EBV was found in the saliva of 26 (35.6%) patients before renal transplantation and in 56.2% and 46.6% of them, in the 15- to 20-day and 45- to 60-day periods after the transplant, respectively. High detection rates (75.3%-78.1%) were found for HHV-7 despite the lack of significant variations between the study periods. There was no concordance between herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the pattern of excretion of HSV-1 and EBV in saliva is changed immediately after renal transplantation, increasing in the 15- to 20-day period after the transplant surgery. No concordance between herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia was observed.

Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of human herpesvirus-7 infection.

INTRODUCTION: Human herpesvirus (HHV)-7 establishes a latent infection during the lifetime of the host and can reactivate after the primary infection, leading to lytic replication in immunosuppressed patients. METHODS: This study aimed to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to identify HHV-7 serum antibodies and compare its performance with that of an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). RESULTS: Serum samples (n=102) were tested by IgG-IFA and by ELISA. IFA and ELISA showed IgG-positive results in 77 and 73 samples, respectively. Qualitative concordance of 96% was demonstrated between the two techniques. CONCLUSIONS: ELISA may be useful to diagnose HHV-7 infection.

Herpesviruses in the oral cavity of patients subjected to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and its relationship with oral mucositis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to characterise oral shedding of herpesviruses in patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) and to investigate its relationship with oral mucositis (OM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PCR and enzymatic digestion were conducted to identify oral shedding of herpesviruses and its correlation with OM development in 31 patients. The samples were collected at three sites in the oral cavity and at 5 times during follow-up; two additional collections were made from patients who developed ulcerative OM. RESULTS: HSV-1, EBV, CMV, HHV-6A, HHV-6B, and HHV-7 were detected in 4.97%, 16.02%, 4.41%, 2.20%, 3.31%, and 68% of the oral mucosal samples, respectively; 4.41%, 16.57%, 5.52%, 2.20%, 5.52%, and 63.53% of supragingival samples, respectively, and 4.41%, 18.23%, 2.76%, 1.65%, 2.75%, and 35.91% of subgingival samples, respectively. OM was diagnosed in 13 patients. The presence of HHV-7 in C1 (oral mucosa: p = 0.032) and C2 (supragingival: p = 0.009; subgingival: p = 0.002) was significantly increased in patients who developed OM, and patients exhibiting HHV-7 shedding in the oral cavity were 3.32-fold more likely to develop OM. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who developed OM showed higher HHV-7 shedding in the oral cavity at nadir (immediately prior to OM development), suggesting modifications to the inflammatory microenvironment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: HHV-7 may be involved in oral dysbiosis in HSCT-related OM; enhanced understanding of its role in the pathogenesis of OM may lead to the development of strategies for managing and preventing this common side effect of alloHSCT.

Detection of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) DNA in endocervical samples from a positive and negative HPV woman of Córdoba, Argentina.

AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the presence of human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A), HHV-6B and HHV-7 in samples of the uterine cervix through detection of viral DNA. We analysed normal tissues, samples with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). We correlated the presence of HHV-6 and HHV-7 with the finding of human papillomavirus (HPV) in mucosal samples. METHODS: Cervical samples were examined and grouped as follows: group 1 (n=29), normal cytology; group 2 (n=61), samples with LSIL; group 3 (n=35), samples with HSIL. Molecular biology examinations were performed in all samples to detect HHV-6, HHV-7 and HPV DNA and to typify HHV-6 species. RESULTS: Group 1: normal cytology and HPV (-): HHV-6: 6.8% (2/29), HHV-7: 79.3% (23/29); group 2: LSIL and HPV (-): HHV-6: 93.1% (27/29), HHV-7: 96.5% (28/29); LSIL and HPV (+): HHV-6: 0% (0/32), HHV-7: 90.6% (29/32); group 3: HSIL and HPV (-): HHV-6: 20% (2/10), HHV-7: 70% (7/10); HSIL HPV (+): HHV-6: 12% (3/25), HHV-7: 68% (17/25). HHV-6A DNA was not detected in any samples. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Both HHV-6 and HHV-7 infect the mucosal cells of the cervix with higher prevalence of HHV-7. (2) The higher prevalence of HHV-6 in LSIL HPV (-) samples compared with those with normal cytology indicates that it constitutes a possible risk factor for atypia production. (3) The presence of HHV-7 in all samples questions its role in the production of atypia. (4) The finding of HHV-6 and HHV-7 suggests that the cervical mucosa is a possible transmission pathway for these viruses.

Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of human herpesvirus-7 infection

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Human herpesvirus (HHV)-7 establishes a latent infection during the lifetime of the host and can reactivate after the primary infection, leading to lytic replication in immunosuppressed patients. METHODS: This study aimed to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to identify HHV-7 serum antibodies and compare its performance with that of an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). RESULTS: Serum samples (n=102) were tested by IgG-IFA and by ELISA. IFA and ELISA showed IgG-positive results in 77 and 73 samples, respectively. Qualitative concordance of 96% was demonstrated between the two techniques. CONCLUSIONS: ELISA may be useful to diagnose HHV-7 infection.

Age-Related Patterns of DNA Detection and Specific IgG Subclasses in Healthy HHV-6- and HHV-7-Infected Individuals.

Human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A), Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B), and Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) can persist by establishing a lifelong infection which could have implications on the immunocompetent host. The aim of this work is to contribute with some knowledge about the HHV-6 A/B and HHV-7 infection in healthy individuals. We have carried out a longitudinal study in seropositive healthy individuals for the detection of viral DNA in saliva and plasma samples, and for determining a specific IgG isotype immune response, which enabled the performance of these viruses to be observed over time. Furthermore, an elderly population was transversely studied to provide data of the activity of these viruses in the older population. In the longitudinal study, HHV-6 DNA was occasionally detected and an isotype immune response with a specific IgG1 profile, while in the older group HHV-6 DNA was frequently detected and an isotype immune response with specific IgG1, IgG3, and IgG4. HHV-7 DNA was frequently detected in both groups and isotype patterns of specific IgG1, IgG3, and IgG4. The results of this study highlight that the long-lasting relationship in healthy HHV-6 A/B-infected individuals have the imprint of age groups.

Simultaneous Detection of Beta and Gamma Human Herpesviruses by Multiplex qPCR Reveals Simple Infection and Coinfection Episodes Increasing Risk for Graft Rejection in Solid Organ Transplantation.

Herpesviruses are common components of the human microbiome that become clinically relevant when a competent immunosurveillance is compromised, such as in transplantation. Members of the beta and gamma subfamilies are associated with a wide diversity of pathologies, including end-organ disease and cancer. In this study, we developed a multiplex qPCR technique with high specificity, sensitivity, efficiency and predictability that allowed the simultaneous detection and quantification of beta and gamma human herpesviruses. The technique was tested in a cohort of 34 kidney- or liver-transplanted pediatric patients followed up for up to 12 months post-transplant. Viral load was determined in 495 leukocyte-plasma paired samples collected bi-weekly or monthly. Human herpesvirus (HHV) 7 was the herpesvirus most frequently found in positive samples (39%), followed by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (20%). Also, EBV and HHV7 were present in the majority of coinfection episodes (62%). The share of positive samples exclusively detected either in leukocytes or plasma was 85%, suggesting that these herpesviruses tended to take a latent or lytic path in an exclusive manner. Infection by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and HHV6, as well as coinfection by EBV/HHV7 and EBV/HHV6/HHV7, were associated with graft rejection (RR = 40.33 (p = 0.0013), 5.60 (p = 0.03), 5.60 (p = 0.03) and 17.64 (p = 0.0003), respectively). The routine monitoring of beta and gamma herpesviruses should be mandatory in transplant centers to implement preventive strategies.

Salivary shedding of herpesviruses in renal transplant recipients.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to describe the salivary shedding of human herpesviruses (HHV) in renal transplant recipients and to observe the oral manifestations in this group. METHODS: A prospective case-control study was conducted with a study group of 20 renal transplant recipients and a control group of 20 non-transplanted, immunocompetent individuals. Clinical examination evaluated the presence of drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO), salivary flow, and caries. Stimulated saliva was collected from both groups, with HHV being detected by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 45.90 ± 9.89 years, with 55% (11/20) being female, 60% (12/20) being Caucasian, 65% (13/20) having a deceased donor, and 70% (14/20) having used tacrolimus as the main immunosuppressive drug. Renal transplant recipients had shedding of more herpesviruses compared to the control group, with the exception of HHV-7. Statistical significance was found for herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) (P = 0.017) and cytomegalovirus (P = 0.035). DIGO was observed in seven patients (35%), with 35% (7/20) presenting with decreased salivary flow and four (20%) reporting xerostomia. CONCLUSION: Renal transplant recipients excreted herpesviruses more often than control individuals, especially HSV-1. Decreased salivary flow and xerostomia were more frequent in patients who used tacrolimus, whereas those who used cyclosporine had more cases of DIGO.

Pitiriasis rosada en el embarazo: reporte de caso / Pityriasis rosea in pregnancy: case report

RESUMEN A pesar de que la Pitiriasis Rosada se considera una condición cutánea benigna, en el marco del embarazo, hay estudios que relacionan la aparición de esta patología con complicaciones asociadas en el feto. Metodología: Se realiza un reporte de caso, prospectivo, a una mujer de 36 años chilena que presentó esta patología durante la semana 12 de gestación. El objetivo fue describir, la evolución y control y contrastar su evolución con la evidencia científica actual sobre esta temática. Resultados: Paciente presenta placas eritematodescamativas concordantes con diagnóstico de pitiriasis rosada (superficie afectada menos al 50% de su cuerpo), sin presentar enantema, ni síntomas sistémicos. Tuvo un recién nacido sano a las 38 semanas de gestación, sin presentar ningún efecto adverso de los que relaciona la literatura analizada. Conclusiones: Distintos estudios han estudiado los posibles efectos adversos en el feto en madres que han presentado Pitiriasis Rosada en el embarazo, sin embargo, en este reporte de caso no se presentaron complicaciones asociadas. Faltan estudios realizados en mayor cantidad de pacientes.

ABSTRACT Although Pityriasis Rosea is considered a benign cutaneous condition, in the context of pregnancy, there are studies that relate the appearance of this pathology with associated complications in the fetus. Methodology: A prospective case report was made to a 36-year-old Chilean woman who presented this pathology during the twelve weeks of pregnancy. The objective was to describe, the evolution and control and to contrast its evolution with the current scientific evidence on this subject. Results: Patient presents concordant erythematous-desquamative plaques with diagnosis of Pityriasis Rosea (surface affected less than 50% of his body), without presenting enanthem, nor systemic symptoms. Had a healthy newborn at 38 weeks of gestation, without presenting any adverse effect related to the analyzed literature. Conclusions: Different studies have studied the possible adverse effects on the fetus in mothers who have presented pityriasis rosea in pregnancy, however in this case report there were no associated complications. Missing studies in a greater number of patients.

Polirradiculoneuritis aguda asociada a infección por Virus Herpes Humano 7 en un paciente adulto inmunocompetente / Acute polyradiculoneuropathy associated with human Herpes Virus 7 in an immunocompetent patient: case report

Human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7) is a cause of encephalitis, meningitis and myeloradiculoneuropathy in adults who are immunocompetent or with immunosuppression. The involvement of the peripheral nervous system is always associated with myelitis. We report a case of acute polyradiculoneuropathy due to HHV-7, without involvement of central nervous system, in an immunocompetent patient. A 35-years-old man complained of lumbar pain radiating to both buttocks. On examination muscle strength and tendon reflexes were normal. He had asymmetric pinprick and light touch saddle hypoesthesia and also in the perineal region, dorsum and lateral aspect of the left foot. Magnetic resonance imaging showed mild thickening and contrast enhancement of cauda equina nerve roots. Polymerase chain reaction performed on cerebrospinal fluid was positive for HVV-7. Other inflammatory, infectious and neoplastic etiologies were ruled out. Lumbar pain and hypoesthesia improved progressively and neurological examination was normal after one month. He did not receive antiviral therapy.

[Acute polyradiculoneuropathy associated with human Herpes Virus 7 in an immunocompetent patient. Case report]. / Polirradiculoneuritis aguda asociada a infección por Virus Herpes Humano 7 en un paciente adulto inmunocompetente.

Human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7) is a cause of encephalitis, meningitis and myeloradiculoneuropathy in adults who are immunocompetent or with immunosuppression. The involvement of the peripheral nervous system is always associated with myelitis. We report a case of acute polyradiculoneuropathy due to HHV-7, without involvement of central nervous system, in an immunocompetent patient. A 35-years-old man complained of lumbar pain radiating to both buttocks. On examination muscle strength and tendon reflexes were normal. He had asymmetric pinprick and light touch saddle hypoesthesia and also in the perineal region, dorsum and lateral aspect of the left foot. Magnetic resonance imaging showed mild thickening and contrast enhancement of cauda equina nerve roots. Polymerase chain reaction performed on cerebrospinal fluid was positive for HVV-7. Other inflammatory, infectious and neoplastic etiologies were ruled out. Lumbar pain and hypoesthesia improved progressively and neurological examination was normal after one month. He did not receive antiviral therapy.

Detección y respuesta inmune de virus herpes humano 6 (VHH-6) y virus herpes humano 7 (VHH-7) en población sana / Detection and immune response of human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) in healthy population

El Herpesvirus Humano 6 (VHH-6) y el Herpesvirus humano 7 (VHH-7) pertenecen a la familia Herpesviridae con una amplia distribución en la población humana. La infección primaria ocurre a muy temprana edad, antes de los 2 años de vida, y el virus establece, en el hospedero susceptible, un modelo persistente de infección. La latencia del virus se produce en las células linfoides y en las glándulas salivales. La reactivación puede suceder en reiteradas ocasiones a lo largo de la vida de un infectado, ya sea éste inmunocompetente o inmunocomprometido, pudiendo el virus ser detectado en saliva y /o plasma. En individuos sanos, inmunocompetentes, la historia natural de la infección es poco conocida. El objetivo de este trabajo es contribuir a la comprensión de los modelos de persistencia viral de HHV-6 y de HHV-7 y de la respuesta inmune que la actividad viral desencadena en el hospedero sano, la cual se pone en evidencia por el perfil de isotipos específco de Inmunoglobulina G (IgG) específicos.(AU)

ABSTRACT: Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) belong to the Herpesviridae family and are widely distributed among the human population. The human primary infection occurs early, before the two years of age, and the virus establishes a persistent model of infection in the susceptible host. The virus remains latent mainly in lymph cells and salivary glands. Reactivation may occur several times throughout the life of infected individual, whether immune competent or immune compromised, with the virus being detected in saliva and/or plasma. In healthy immune competent individuals, the natural history of the infection is little known. The aim of this research was to contribute to the understanding of the models of viral persistence of HHV-6 and HHV-7 and the immune response that viral activity triggers in the healthy host, manifested by the profile of specific IgG isotypes (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4).(AU)

Detection of Merkel cell polyomavirus in oral samples of renal transplant recipients without Merkel cell carcinoma.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive neuroendocrine cancer, with approximately 80% of cases associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). The lack of information concerning its occurrence in non-MCC immunosuppressed populations led to the investigation of MCPyV DNA in saliva and oral biopsies from 60 kidney allograft recipients and 75 non-transplanted individuals (control group). In contrast to herpesviruses, which was also investigated (CMV, HHV-6A, and B, HHV-7) MCPyV was detected predominantly in patients with oral lesions (gingivitis and/or periodontitis) of both transplanted and non-transplanted groups (P=0.016) and in the saliva of the transplanted group (P=0.009). MCPyV co-detection with CMV (P=0.048), and HHV-6 (P=0.020) in the saliva of transplanted patients requires further investigation on a possible role of co-infection.