Evidence of Toscana virus circulation in Umbria: first report.

To evaluate, for the first time, circulation and clinical expression of Toscana virus (ToSv) in Umbria region we studied: (1) 93 cases of aseptic meningitis and meningoencephalitis admitted to our Department from 1989 to 2001 with negative results for common neurotropic virus; (2) 50 healthy subjects. Specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) anti-TOSv were found in 36.6% of aseptic meningitis, in 6.06% of meningoencephalitis and (IgG) in 16% of healthy subjects.