Postinfectious myeloradiculoneuropathy with cranial nerve involvements associated with human herpesvirus 7 infection.

Background: Infection with human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) generally results in a febrile illness with accompanying exanthema subitum.

Objectives: To ascertain and describe the role of HHV-7 in a case of acute myeloradiculoneuropathy.

Patient: A previously healthy young man with complaints of motor weakness, dysphasia, and nasal voice.

Methods: Serological examinations were performed with the patient's serum. We also examined virus genome DNA in cerebrospinal fluid by regular and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, we checked the antiganglioside antibody level in the patient's serum samples by the immunoblot analysis.

Results: Serological studies revealed significant change in titers of antibodies against cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and HHV-7, but only HHV-7 genome was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, with its disappearance after therapy. No antiganglioside antibody was detected in the patient's serum.

Conclusion: The unique clinical picture of the present patient might be closely related to the reactivation of HHV-7 in the nervous system.