Viral infections detected by serology and PCR of perilymphatic fluid in children with idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss.

The etiology of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children may be viral. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the role of viral infectious agents in children with idiopathic SNHL. Of 119 children with SNHL aged 3-168 months undergoing cochlear implant surgery at a hospital in Tehran, no cause could be established in 18 cases (15.1%). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) active infections (detected by DNA-PCR, confirmed by serology) were found in the perilymphatic fluid of 16.7% (3/18) cases of idiopathic SNHL. Serology was performed on blood samples from 11 of these cases: specific antibodies against CMV, Toxoplasma spp., HSV and rubella were determined in all cases; acute T. gondii infection was detected in 7 cases and rubella IgG was found in only 1 case. Neonatal screening for CMV, HSV and T gondii may be helpful in the Islamic Republi of Iran.