Meningitis associated with HHV-7 in an Iranian immunocompetent adolescent girl

There is limited literature regarding meningitis associated with HHV-7. This article reports an immunocompetent adolescent girl who developed fever, headache, and meningism which CSF molecular analysis with PCR was positive only for HHV-7. Interestingly, persistent cavum septum pellucidum and cavum vergae were observed on brain magnetic resonance imaging. The patient received antibiotics, dexamethasone, and acyclovir and then she gained full recovery. HHV-7 is a rare and yet possible pathogen in patients with meningitis, and this is the first described case report from Iran.

Oropharyngeal shedding of herpesviruses before and after BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination against COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

Concerns were raised over an increase in Bell's palsy, herpes simplex and herpes zoster after BNT162b2 vaccination, all are manifestations of herpesviruses reactivation. As herpesviruses commonly reactivate in the oropharynx, we have hypothesized that oropharyngeal shedding of herpesviruses will increase after vaccination.

METHODS

Immune-competent Adults, excluding those using topical steroids or manifesting symptomatic herpesvirus infection, were sampled before BNT162b2 vaccination and one week after. Herpesviruses 1-7 shedding was tested with a multiplexed PCR.

RESULTS

In 103 paired samples the prevalence of herpesviruses was similar before and after vaccination: HSV1, 3.9% vs. 5.8% (p = 0.75); HSV2, 0% vs. 1% (p = not applicable, NA); VZV, 0% vs. 0% (p = NA); EBV, 14.6% vs. 17.5% (p = 0.63); CMV, 0% vs. 0% (p = NA); HHV6, 4.9% vs. 7.8% (p = 0.55); HHV7, 71.8% vs. 72.8% (p = 1); any herpesvirus, 73.8% vs. 74.8% (p = 1).

DISCUSSION

We did not find evidence for increased oropharyngeal reactivation of herpesviruses one week after BNT162b2.

A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Efficacy of Oral Acyclovir in the Treatment of Pityriasis Rosea

BACKGROUND

Pityriasis rosea is an acute self-limiting skin disorder of unknown aetiology. Recently human herpes virus 6 and 7 has been hypothesized to be the cause of pityriasis rosea.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of acyclovir, an anti-viral drug, in the treatment of pityriasis rosea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of efficacy of oral acyclovir in the treatment of pityriasis rosea was conducted on 73 patients. Thirty eight randomly selected patients were started on oral acyclovir. Thirty-five patients were prescribed placebo. The patients as well as the chief investigator were unaware of the therapeutic group to which patients belonged (acyclovir or placebo). Patients in both the groups were evaluated clinically after 7 and 14 days following the first visit and the data were analysed.

RESULTS

Follow up data of 60 patients was available and these were included in the statistical analysis. 53.33% and 86.66% of the patients belonging to the acyclovir group showed complete resolution on the 7(th) day and 14(th) day respectively following the first visit compared to 10% and 33.33% of patients from the placebo group. The findings were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that high dose acyclovir is effective in the treatment of pityriasis rosea.