Herpesviruses and parkinsonism. Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, and cytomegalovirus antibodies in serum and CSF
R. J. Marttila, U. K. Rinne, P. Halonen, D. L. Madden and J. L. Sever
Antibodies against herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 and
cytomegalovirus (CMV) were assayed with a microindirect hemagglutination
(IHA) test in the serum of 67 pairs of patients with Parkinson's disease
and controls. Cerebrospinal fluid from 30 pairs was assayed. All patient
and control serum was tested with a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for antibodies
against HSV type 1 subunit antigens. Serum IHA antibody level against HSV
type 1 was increased in patients with Parkinson's disease and RIA antibody
levels against the same viral antigen were significantly higher in the
patients than controls. Herpes simplex virus type 2 and CMV serum
antibodies were equal in the patient and control groups. Most of the CSF
samples tested negatively for IHA; small and comparable numbers of the
patients and controls had low antibody levels against HSV and CMV antigens.
