Search for varicella zoster virus and herpes simplex virus-1 in normal human cerebral arteries.

Virological confirmation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy is provided by presence of virus in the cerebral arteries, frequently associated with inflammation. Yet, cerebral arteries from normal subjects have never been studied for VZV DNA or antigen. We analyzed 63 human cerebral arteries from 45 subjects for VZV DNA and antigen, control herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 DNA and antigen, and leukocyte-specific CD45 antigen.