Herpes simplex virus in idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell palsy)
K. K. Adour, D. N. Bell and R. L. Hilsinger Jr
Sera from all 41 adult patients with idiopathic facil paralysis (Bell
palsy) and 35 (85%) of 41 matched controls who had never had Bell palsy
contained antibodies to herpes simplex virus (P smaller than.05). The
frequency of antibodies to herpes zoster virus did not differ in patients
and controls. A rise in antibody titer, indicating primary herpes simplex
virus infection, was not found in these patients. That Bell palsy may be
caused by reactivation of herpes simplex virus is suggested by (1)
clinical, neurologic, laboratory, and immunologic similarities between
idiopathic facial paralysis and known manifestations of reactivated herpes
simplex virus infection, and (2) the known neurotropism of herpes simplex
virus, including its presence in latent form in the trigeminal ganglia, and
parallels with known facial paralysis due to varicella zoster virus, a
closely related agent. The presence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus
is the only common factor among the patients tested in this study.
