Ljungan Virus Associated With Human Malformations

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 05 Feb 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Ljungan virus (LV) has been found in cases of hydrocephaly and anencephaly when examined by immunohistochemistry and PCR. The association of LV with hydrocephaly and anencephaly suggests that LV may be playing an important role in central nervous system malformations in humans.

A series of elective abortions due to hydrocephaly and anencephaly and a control group of a severe genetic disorder (Down syndrome) were investigated for presence of LV infection using both immunohistochemistry and real time RT-PCR. LV was diagnosed in nine out of 10 hydrocephaly, five out of nine anencephaly and in one out of 18 control cases.

These data suggest that LV is associated with a substantial proportion of central nervous system malformations in humans. The same research group has recently reported the association between LV and intrauterine death.

The findings are reported in the last issue of Birth Defects Research (Part A).

Ljungan virus

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