Molecular Evaluation of Human Enterovirus-Related Aseptic Meningitis in Isfahan, Iran 2017

Background: Human enteroviruses (HEVs) cause various infections, especially in children. These viruses are common causes of aseptic meningitis worldwide. Objectives: Limited information about HEV-related aseptic meningitis is available in Isfahan/Iran. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate HEV-related meningitis in this city. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 70 patients with the diagnosis of aseptic meningitis were enrolled and divided into 2 groups, including children and adults, in 2 centers of Alzahra and Imam Hossein hospitals from December 2016 to December 2017. Diagnosis of meningitis was made on clinical symptoms and lumbar puncture samples. The RNA of HEV was extracted with Roch extraction Kit and enteroviral infection was detected by real-time PCR test. Chi-square and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Enteroviruses were detected in 2 cases out of 70 patients (2.8%). Two cases were in the children group (9.5%). The relationship between gender and prevalence was not significant. Two cases were found in summer and winter. Conclusions: We found that the positive test results of enterovirus in lumbar puncture (LP) samples were significant in the children patients (9.5%, P value = 0.026) but the positive test results in adult patients were zero. So it makes sense to do PCR tests in children with signs or symptoms of meningitis. A well-designed study with more samples is recommended for better evaluation of HEV-related infections, especially aseptic meningitis in Iran. These types of studies help to find a good strategy for the management of HEV infections in Iran and, thereby reducing hospitalization and overuse of antibiotics.