Varicella-Zoster Virus

Abstract

The complement fixing (C-F) antibody titers to varicella-zoster and herpes simplex virus in 80 cases of peripheral facial nerve paralysis were determined in association with the inflammatory findings in the increased antibody group. Of 22 patients with Ramsay-Hunt's syndrome, 18 (81%) showed more than eightfold increases in complement fixing antibody titer to the varicella-zoster virus. Significant differences between this group and the normal control group were recognized. On the other hand, 11 (25%) of 44 cases initially diagnosed as idiopathic Bell's Palsy in the acute stage showed increased antibody titer. It was found that serological testing of paired sera was necessary to differentiate idiopathic Bell's palsy from Ramsay-Hunt's syndrome. The clinical findings in these cases were analyzed for relative symptoms and signs of viral infections.