Multifocal vasculopathy due to Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV): serial analysis of VZV DNA and intrathecal synthesis of VZV antibody in cerebrospinal fluid.
Recognition of multifocal vasculopathy due to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is often problematic. We describe a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient who had progressive central nervous system disease for >3 months. Both VZV DNA and antibody were detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens; serial polymerase chain reaction analyses confirmed the diagnosis and guided the duration of therapy. Reduced ratios of VZV antibody in serum to that in CSF were also demonstrated.
Kronenberg
Andreas
A
Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland. andreas.kronenberg@dim.usz.ch
Schupbach
Reto
R
Schuknecht
Bernhard
B
Bossart
Walter
W
Weber
Rainer
R
Gilden
Donald H
DH
Speck
Roberto F
RF
D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral