Formation of foci of herpesvirus infections in families
Objective. To analyze circulation of herpes simplex virus (HSV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human herpes virus type six (HHV-6) within families, to evaluate the conditions of formation of family foci, and to identify possible sources of infection. Patients and methods. We examined 124 families, including 11 two-parent families (mother, father, and child) and 108 one-parent families (mother and child). Five families had a mother and two children. Antibodies of various classes against herpesviruses were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Herpesvirus antigens were detected using indirect immunofluorescence assay; early antigens and herpesvirus reproduction were evaluated using culture method; viral DNA was identified using polymerase chain reaction. Results. We have revealed a high rate of infection with herpesviruses in both adults and children. Markers of infections caused by HSV and EBV were detected in the majority of mothers (96.0% and 90.3%; 119 and 112), while children had these infections less frequently (66.7% in each group (86)). Detection of active forms of infection and convalescents, both among children and adults, indicates an intensive circulation of herpesviruses within families and leads to the formation of family foci of infection. Active infections were primarily caused by CMV (20.2% of children, 17.8% of mothers, and 15.4% of fathers) and EBV (16.3% of children, 11.3% of mothers, and 9.1% of fathers). Out of 266 participants examined (mothers, fathers, and children), cases of acute mixed infection were observed in children only (4 of 129) and were caused by HHV-6 in combination with HSV (2 cases) or CMV (2 cases). Conclusion. Continuous and intensive circulation of herpesviruses in families leads to the formation of family foci of infection. To stop intra-family transmission of viruses, it is important to identify possible sources of infection and perform antiepidemic measures. This transmission is most likely to occur in families where the mother has markers of active or recent infection, while the child does not have them at all. Such combination was detected in 16 patients with EBV (12.4%), 10 patients with HHV-6 (7.8%), 6 patients with HSV (4.7%), and 5 patients with CMV (3.9%). It is crucial to identify the role of the child as a source of herpesvirus infection.