Herpes Simplex in Oral Ulcers of Neutropenic Patients
Author Information
Author(s): R. Janmohamed, J.E. Morton, D.W. Milligan, M.J. Leyland, B. Coupland
Primary Institution: East Birmingham Hospital
Hypothesis
What is the role of herpes simplex virus in oral ulcers in neutropenic patients?
Conclusion
The study found a strong correlation between the presence of herpes simplex virus and oral ulcers in neutropenic patients.
Supporting Evidence
- HSV was isolated in 13 out of 28 episodes with oral ulceration.
- Only 3 out of 25 episodes without ulceration had HSV isolated.
- Patients with a viral titre > 1:16 were more likely to develop ulcers.
Takeaway
Doctors studied patients with weak immune systems to see if a virus called herpes simplex was causing their mouth sores. They found that the virus was often present when the sores appeared.
Methodology
The study involved isolating herpes simplex virus from the mouths of neutropenic patients using viral culture techniques and electron microscopy.
Potential Biases
Patients with more severe immunosuppression may have been more likely to shed the virus, complicating the results.
Limitations
The study does not establish a causal relationship between HSV isolation and oral ulceration.
Participant Demographics
26 male and 17 female patients, ages ranging from 16 to 74, with a mean age of 43.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website