Varicella Zoster Virus as a Potential Risk Factor in Stroke: A Pilot Case-Control PCR-Based Investigation

Mokhtari, Fedra; Ghane, Masood

doi:10.30699/ijmm.19.4.278

year 19, Issue 4 (July - August 2025) Iran J Med Microbiol 2025, 19(4): 278-282 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.30699/ijmm.19.4.278

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Mokhtari F, Ghane M. Varicella Zoster Virus as a Potential Risk Factor in Stroke: A Pilot Case-Control PCR-Based Investigation. Iran J Med Microbiol 2025; 19 (4) :278-282
URL: http://ijmm.ir/article-1-2745-en.html

Varicella Zoster Virus as a Potential Risk Factor in Stroke: A Pilot Case-Control PCR-Based Investigation

Fedra Mokhtari¹

, Masood Ghane²

1- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Fedra.mokhtari.sru@gmail.com
2- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran

Abstract: (354 Views)

Background and Aim: Viral contributions to cerebrovascular disease are increasingly recognized. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can cause a variety of pathologies in humans, including stroke, which increases the risk of developing the condition. As part of a broader pilot project on neurotropic herpesviruses (VZV/CMV/HSV), we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of VZV DNA in stroke patients compared with demographically matched controls and to estimate the strength of association.
Materials and Methods: In this pilot case–control study, whole blood sample was obtained from 28 consecutive adult stroke patients admitted to ICUs in northern Iran and 28 demographically matched controls without stroke. DNA was extracted and quality-checked by spectrophotometry. VZV DNA was detected by conventional PCR using virus specific primers. Beta globin was used as internal control. For the statistical comparisons chi square test was used.
Results & Conclusion: VZV DNA was detected in 7/28 (25.0%) stroke cases and 0/28 (0%) controls (χ² P=0.005). The analysis based on the chi-square test showed a significant association (P=0.005) between the frequency of VZV and stroke with 95% confidence. This pilot study suggests an association between VZV DNA presence and stroke occurrence. Given the limited sample size and cross sectional design, causality cannot be inferred and reactivation remains a plausible explanation. Larger, time resolved studies incorporating serology and mechanistic biomarkers are warranted.

Keywords: Neurotropic Virus, PCR, Stroke, Varicella Zoster Virus, VZV DNA

Full-Text [PDF 560 kb] (73 Downloads)

Type of Study: Brief Original Article | Subject: Medical Virology
Received: 2025/06/24 | Accepted: 2025/09/6 | ePublished: 2025/10/10

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