Molecular detection and serotypic analysis of enterovirus RNA in archival specimens from patients with acute myocarditis. Issue 5 (November 1995)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nicholson, F.; Ajetunmobi, J. F.; Li, M.; Shackleton, E. A.; Starkey, W. G.; Illavia, S. J.; Muir, P.; Banatvala, J. E.
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 74:Issue 5(1995)
• Page Start: 522
• Page End: 527
• Publication Date: 1995-11
• Subjects: Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.74.5.522
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE--To determine whether enterovirus RNA can be demonstrated in archival necropsy material in acute myocarditis. DESIGN--Analysis of paraffin embedded myocardial tissue from cases of acute myocarditis. SETTING--University virology department. METHODS--Extraction of RNA from tissue followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequence analysis. PATIENTS--Six patients with histologically proven myocarditis and eight controls. RESULTS--Enterovirus RNA was identified in 5 of 6 patients with myocarditis and in none of the controls. The nucleotide sequences of the PCR products showed greatest similarity to group B coxsackieviruses, particularly coxsackievirus B3. CONCLUSION--This study indicates that archival tissue samples, even histologically stained tissue sections, can be used to study the role of enteroviruses in myocardial disease using molecular detection techniques. If a predominant role for coxsackievirus B3 in myocarditis is confirmed by further study, this may have implications for the development of a specific vaccine.