Herpes virus and Meniere's disease

Objective: The main goal of this study was to examine the vestibular ganglia from patients with intractable classic Meniere's disease (MD) for the presence or absence of DNA from three neurotropic viruses herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV1, HSV2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) and to investigate the hypothesis that MD is associated with virus reactivation within Scarpa's ganglion. Study Design: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with nested primer sets specific for viral genomic DNA of HSV1, HSV2 and VZV in biopsies of the ganglion scarpae of patients with MD who underwent vestibular neurectomy. Included were patients with MD classified as definite MD according to American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery criteria. The ganglion scarpae and ganglion geniculi harvested at autopsy from patients without history of MD or facial palsy served as control specimens. Results: No viral DNA was detected in the vestibular ganglion of 7 patients with definite MD. In 34% of the vestibular ganglia of the control group we detected either HSV1 or VZV. Only one Scarpa's ganglion had both viruses present at the same time. Thirty-two out of 34 ganglia from the geniculate segment of the facial nerve contained either HSV1 and/or VZV genomic DNA. Eight specimens contained both viruses simultaneously. Altogether viral DNA was found in 94% of ganglia. Viral genomic DNA of HSV2 was not detected. Conclusion: Although HSV and VZV appear to be present in many ganglion cells throughout the human body, we were unable to find genomic DNA of these viruses in patients with definite MD and disabling vertigo, who underwent vestibular neurectomy. Based on these results, reactivation of HSV1 and VZV in the vestibular ganglion does not seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of MD. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.