Meningomyelitis associated with infection by human herpes virus 7. Report of two cases Meningomielitis asociadas a infección por herpes virus humano 7. Comunicación de dos casos

Abstract

Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) may cause encephalomyelitis in immunocompetent adults. We report two patients infected by the virus. A 34-year-old male presenting with paraparesis and a sensitive deficiency located in D6 dermatome. Cerebrospinal fluid had 35 white blood cells per mm 3 and 75 mg protein per dl. A PCR-microarray examination was positive for HHV-7. The patient was treated with prednisolone and ganciclovir with full recovery. A 27-year-old male presenting with headache, fever and diarrhea. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed 160 cells per mm 3 and 75 mg protein per dl. Viral RNA detection was positive for HHV-7. The patient was managed with analgesia and rest and was discharged with the diagnosis of viral meningitis. Our comunication supports the notion that HHV-7 may be considered as pathogen factor in humans, even in immunocompetent ones.