Formation of foci of herpesvirus infections in families

Objective. To analyze circulation of herpes simplex virus (HSV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human herpes virus type six (HHV-6) within families, to evaluate the conditions of formation of family foci, and to identify possible sources of infection. Patients and methods. We examined 124 families, including 11 two-parent families (mother, father, and child) and 108 oneparent families (mother and child). Five families had a mother and two children. Antibodies of various classes against herpesviruses were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Herpesvirus antigens were detected using indirect immunofluorescence assay; early antigens and herpesvirus reproduction were evaluated using culture method; viral DNA was identified using polymerase chain reaction. Results. We have revealed a high rate of infection with herpesviruses in both adults and children. Markers of infections caused by HSV and EBV were detected in the majority of mothers (96.0% and 90.3%; 119 and 112), while children had these infections less frequently (66.7% in each group (86)). Detection of active forms of infection and convalescents, both among children and adults, indicates