Viral infections detected by serology and PCR of perilymphatic fluid in children with idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss

ABSTRACT

The etiology of sensorineural hearing loss [SNHL] in children may be viral. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the role of viral infectious agents in children with idiopathic SNHL Of 119 children with SNHL aged 3-168 months undergoing cochlear implant surgery at a hospital in Tehran, no cause could be established in 18 cases [15.1%]. Cytomegalovirus [CMV] and herpes simplex virus [HSV] active infections [detected by DNA-PCR, confirmed by serology] were found in the perilymphatic fluid of 16.7% [3/18] cases of idiopathic SNHL Serology was performed on blood samples from 11 of these cases specific antibodies against CMV, Toxoplasmo spp., HSV and rubella were determined in all cases; acute T. gondii infection was detected in 7 cases and rubella IgG was found in only 1 case. Neonatal screening for CMV, HSV and T. gondii may be helpful in the Islamic Republic of Iran