Detection by immunofluorescence of possible viral implications in "idiopathic" peripheral facial paralysis.

The presence of viral antigens was detected by the indirect immunofluorescence technique in exfoliated cells occurring in the pharyngeal exudate of 18 out of 29 patients with peripheral facial paralysis. The most frequently encountered antigens were: Coxsackie A and B virus (33.3%), adenovirus (16.7%), and the association Coxsackie B virus + adenovirus (16.7%). The possibility that some of the so-called "idiopathic" peripheral facial paralyses may have a viral etiology is discussed.