Long-term outcomes of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important cause of neurological problems, particularly sensorineural hearing loss, but data on long-term sequelae and the impact of nonprimary maternal infection are limited. We report updated findings on childhood outcomes from 2 large prospective studies.

Methods: Pregnant women in Malmö, Sweden, and London, United Kingdom, were included between 1977 and 1986, and newborns were screened for CMV (virus culture of urine or saliva).

Tick-borne encephalitis is associated with low levels of interleukin-10 in cerebrospinal fluid.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is associated with higher morbidity and induces a stronger intrathecal immune activation than most other viral induced meningo-encephalitis. The aim of this study was to investigate cytokine concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum in relation to aetiology and clinical course. Cytokines were analysed by Enzyme-linked Immuno Assay (ELISA) from 44 patients with TBE and from 36 patients with aseptic meningo-encephalitis of other aetiology (non-TBE).

Serum levels of rubella-specific antibodies in Swedish women following three decades of vaccination programmes.

In Sweden, more than 30 years after the introduction of vaccination for 12-year-old girls and post-partum mothers against rubella and 22 years after the introduction of routine MMR vaccination for all children at the ages of 18 months and 12 years, we have evaluated the rubella IgG activity in antenatal sera. 95.8% (39,890/41,637) of all women had anti-rubella IgG levels >or=10IU/mL.

Prognostic value of intrathecal antibody production and DNA viral load in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with herpes simplex encephalitis.

Herpes simplex encephalitis is a devastating disease. In the early 1980s our group conducted a nationwide clinical trial of acyclovir versus vidarabine in patients with herpes simplex encephalitis in whom intrathecal herpes simplex virus (HSV) antibodies were assayed. The purpose of this study was to investigate if antibody levels and viral load correlate with outcome in herpes simplex encephalitis.

Neuropsychologic outcomes in children with neonatal herpes encephalitis.

Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection with involvement of the central nervous system is a serious disease with high morbidity, even with acyclovir therapy. The disability includes cerebral palsy and different aspects of cognitive dysfunction which are of utmost importance for the child's future habilitation. We conducted a descriptive cohort study to define neuropsychologic outcomes and determine the relationship between neonatal neuroimaging and neuropsychologic outcomes.

Effect of maternal herpes simplex virus (HSV) serostatus and HSV type on risk of neonatal herpes.

Background: Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a rare but devastating disease. We have conducted pooled analyses of data from 3 cohorts to evaluate the effects of maternal HSV serostatus and HSV type on risk of neonatal HSV acquisition and severity.

Methods: Data from cohorts in Seattle, WA, and Stanford, CA, USA, and Stockholm, Sweden were pooled using Mantel-Haenszel methods.

Study of the serological response after vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis in Sweden.

The antibody response to vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) with FSME-Immun Inject (Immuno AG/Baxter) was studied in 535 persons, mainly adults, attending a vaccination centre in Stockholm, Sweden. Emphasis was laid on long-term follow-up. Antibody activity was measured by three different serological test systems: a commercial ELISA kit, a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test and a neutralization test (RFFIT).

Characterisation of human tick-borne encephalitis virus from Sweden.

Viruses of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) antigenic complex, within the family Flaviviridae, cause a variety of diseases including uncomplicated febrile illness, meningo-encephalitis and haemorrhagic fever. Different wildlife species act as reservoir hosts with ixodid tick species as vectors. TBE virus (TBEV) causes 40-130 cases confirmed serologically in Sweden each year.

Evaluation of an Internet-based database on infectious disorders during pregnancy: INFPREG.

Objective: To evaluate the use of an Internet-based information system on infectious disorders (INFPREG) in antenatal care in Sweden.

Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to all antenatal clinics in Sweden in 2000 (n = 515) and 2002 (n = 503). The questionnaire consisted of sections covering use of computers, availability of Internet connections and the use of INFPREG in patient care.

Detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in dried blood spots making a retrospective diagnosis possible.

Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in neonates are associated with life-threatening disease. Early diagnosis and treatment with antiviral therapy has decreased the morbidity, mortality and long-term sequelae in surviving children. The aim of the study was to investigate if herpes simplex virus DNA detection in dried blood spots on filter papers (Guthrie cards) sampled for screening of metabolic diseases may contribute to early diagnosis of neonatal HSV infection and enable pre-emptive therapy.

Neurologic morbidity after herpes simplex virus type 2 meningitis: a retrospective study of 40 patients.

In order to study the long-term course after herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) meningitis and/or myeloradiculitis the records of 40 consecutive patients were studied. During the year following the acute phase, verified or suspected neurologic recurrences were noted in nearly half of the patients: 1 or more episodes of recurring meningitis were noted in 8 patients; new episodes of myelitis or radiculitis in 3; distinct attacks of headache in 4; and diffuse neurologic complaints impairing daily life in 3. Recurring mucocutaneous symptoms were observed in 16 patients.