Comparison of Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation Frequency in Acute Idiopathic Cranial Mononeuropathy and Normal Population by Serological Assay

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a neurotropic DNA virus with a high prevalence. Following primary infection, HSV remains dormant in the neural ganglia. Secondary infection can emerge after the reactivation of latent infection, presenting as neurological manifestations. Previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between HSV reactivation and selective involvement of cranial nerves. Depending on the affected nerve, cranial mononeuropathies can present with symptoms, including diplopia, blurred vision, vertigo, unilateral facial palsy, speech impairment, swallowing difficulties, and hoarseness.

This study used a serological assay to compare HSV reactivation frequency between patients with recent idiopathic cranial mononeuropathies and normal individuals.

Plasma samples from 35 idiopathic cranial mononeuropathy cases (57.2% women, mean age 58.37 years) and 35 age and sex-matched healthy controls were analyzed for anti-HSV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Anti-HSV IgG antibody was positive in 91.4% of patients and 88.6% of controls. The mean serum anti-HSV IgG antibody level was significantly higher in patients (146.78 ± 60 RU/mL) than in the controls (130.61 ± 52.99 RU/mL) (P-value = 0.037). Anti-HSV IgM antibody was positive in 37.1% of patients and 14.3% of controls (P = 0.042).

The frequency of HSV reactivation was significantly higher in patients with acute idiopathic cranial mononeuropathy than in the healthy controls, indicating the possible role of HSV as an etiology of cranial mononeuropathy.