DETECTION OF VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS-DNA IN PERIPHERAL MONONUCLEAR-CELLS FROM PATIENTS WITH RAMSAY-HUNT-SYNDROME OR ZOSTER SINE HERPETE

On the basis of alterations in varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody t iters, it appears that Bell's palsy in some patients could be associat ed with VZV reactivation, that is, tester sine herpete. To obtain stro nger evidence of this association, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect VZV DNA in auricular lesions or peripheral blood monon uclear cells (PBMCs) from Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome patient s. VZV DNA was detected in the auricular lesions of Ramsay Hunt syndro me, in PBMCs from 2 Ramsay Hunt syndrome patients, and in 4 of 17 samp les from 16 Bell's palsy patients. Three of these four positive patien ts were thought to have tester sine herpete because of hearing difficu lty, vertigo, and pain. VZV IgM antibodies were positive in 1 of the 2 patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and in 2 of the 17 samples from t he Bell's palsy patients. VZV IgG antibody titers during the acute pha se were significantly higher in the patients positive for the PCR or V ZV IgM antibody than in those negative for them. These findings provid e evidence that Bell's palsy in some patients could be associated with VZV reactivation. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.