A systematic review of the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss in neonates exposed to Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Association of herpes simplex virus infection with hearing loss: a cross-sectional study using NHANES data from 2011 to 2012 and 2015 to 2016

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between herpes simplex virus (HSV) and hearing loss using comprehensive population-based research.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study utilised data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to examine the relationship between HSV (types 1 and 2) and hearing loss. The final sample comprised 4608 participants aged 20-49 years. Weighted multivariate regression, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were employed for statistical evaluations.

SETTING

Utilising the NHANES data, this cross-sectional study provides insights into the American population aged 20-49 years.

PARTICIPANTS

The study includes 4608 participants from the NHANES 2011-2012 and 2015-2016 cycles, focusing on those with complete data on HSV infection and hearing assessment.

INTERVENTIONS EXPOSURE

The study analyses the association between HSV (types 1 and 2) infection and hearing loss, using weighted multivariate regression for statistical evaluations.

RESULTS

We observed an association between HSV-1 infection and an increased likelihood of hearing impairment (OR, 1.4 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.9)). A similar association was noted for those coinfected with HSV-1 and HSV-2 (OR, 1.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.3)). Similarly, higher grades of hearing loss and elevated pure-tone averages were more prevalent in these groups. Notably, the association between HSV-1 and hearing impairment was more pronounced in individuals aged 20-34 (OR, 2.1 (95% CI 1.4 to 3.3); P for interaction=0.020) and those with a body mass index (BMI) below 30 (OR, 1.8 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.8); P for interaction=0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest an association between HSV-1 infection or coinfections with HSV-1 and HSV-2 and the presence of hearing impairment. The association appears particularly pronounced among younger individuals and those with a lower BMI. Further prospective research is needed to explore the causal impact of HSV on auditory function.

The Pathogenesis of Cytomegalovirus and Other Viruses Associated with Hearing Loss: Recent Updates

Virus infection is one of the most common etiologies of hearing loss. Hearing loss associated with viral infection can be unilateral or bilateral, mild or severe, sudden or progressive, and permanent or recoverable. Many viruses cause hearing loss in adults and children; however, the pathogenesis of hearing loss caused by viral infection is not fully understood. This review describes cytomegalovirus, the most common virus causing hearing loss, and other reported hearing loss-related viruses. We hope to provide a detailed description of pathogenic characteristics and research progress on pathology, hearing phenotypes, possible associated mechanisms, treatment, and prevention measures. This review aims to provide diagnostic and treatment assistance to clinical workers.

Type I interferon shapes brain distribution and tropism of tick-borne flavivirus

Viral tropism within the brain and the role(s) of vertebrate immune response to neurotropic flaviviruses infection is largely understudied. We combine multimodal imaging (cm-nm scale) with single nuclei RNA-sequencing to study Langat virus in wildtype and interferon alpha/beta receptor knockout (Ifnar-/-) mice to visualize viral pathogenesis and define molecular mechanisms. Whole brain viral infection is imaged by Optical Projection Tomography coregistered to ex vivo MRI. Infection is limited to grey matter of sensory systems in wildtype mice, but extends into white matter, meninges and choroid plexus in Ifnar-/- mice. Cells in wildtype display strong type I and II IFN responses, likely due to Ifnb expressing astrocytes, infiltration of macrophages and Ifng-expressing CD8+ NK cells, whereas in Ifnar-/-, the absence of this response contributes to a shift in cellular tropism towards non-activated resident microglia. Multimodal imaging-transcriptomics exemplifies a powerful way to characterize mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and tropism.

[Clinical protocol: audiological assessment of infants in Russian Federation. Part II]

This is the second part of the previously published clinical protocol of audiological assessment in infants. The goal of the protocol is unification approaches to audiological diagnosis of the infants. The following sections were included in the second part of the protocol: behavioral testing in infants, testing sequence, duration of the examination and necessity in follow-up, hearing assessment in special cases (premature children, children with congenital infections, after meningitis, with external ear abnormalities, single-sided deafness, with hydrocephalus and shunts, with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, with mild hearing loss and otitis media with effusion), medical report.

Importance of TORCH Profile in Hearing Impaired Paediatric Population Planned for Cochlear Implant: A Study From an Eastern India Tertiary Care Centre

TORCH group of infections are one of the most common causes of bilateral profound hearing loss in a developing country like ours. Seroprevalance is quite high in eastern part of our country. Screening for TORCH infections in children's with profound hearing loss has significant prognostic, planning and policy forming implications. To evaluate the seroprevalance of TORCH infections in prospective cochlear implant children and its significance. Ours is a retrospective study conducted from 2017 to 2018 on 50 children with bilateral profound hearing loss attending the Department of ENT at AIIMS, Patna. Thorough clinical and audiological assessment of the patients was done using objective tests like OAE (otoacoustic emission), ABR (auditory brainstem response) and subjective tests like BOA(behavioural audiometry) and PTA (puretone audiometry) wherever feasible. Blood samples were collected and serotesting was done using ELISA for Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) (TORCH). We found that IgM was negative for all patients. Seroprevalance for IgG was 16.3% for toxoplasma, 74.4% for rubella, 69.8% for CMV and 20.9% for HSV. All the children had bilateral severe to profound loss on ABR and bilateral REFER on OAE. As prevalence of TORCH infection is quite common in India and is an established risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss with multisystem involvement screening for the same will help in early identification and in decision making for cochlear implantation thus improving the prognosis and also aid in policy making.

Can SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women affect the hearing of their newborns: A systematic review

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused over 500 million confirmed cases (including pregnant women) worldwide. Recently, hearing status in newborns born to mothers with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has received attention. This systematic review outlines the current knowledge regarding the effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy on newborn hearing. Intrauterine SARS-CoV-2 infection has the potential to affect the auditory system of the newborn due to intrauterine hypoxia and vertical transmission. SARS-CoV-2 might have a greater influence on hearing loss (HL) in newborns during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Therefore, all newborns whose mothers had COVID-19 during pregnancy should be evaluated for cochlear function, regardless of whether their mothers were symptomatic at the time of the disease. However, the understanding of this issue is not consistent and remains controversial. Since early identification and intervention of congenital HL are crucial to the language development of newborns, newborns should be provided with audiological evaluation by various approaches, including Tele-audiology, in the COVID-19 era.

Intrauterine exposure to Zika virus and hearing loss within the first few years of life: A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Identification of the factors that could potentially lead to congenital hearing loss is of paramount importance, as early detection of congenital hearing loss and intervention could prevent developmental delays in speech, language development as well as childhood cognitive impairment. Hitherto, intrauterine exposure to Zika virus has emerged as a cause of various fetal malformations, including cases of congenital hearing loss. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the association between intrauterine exposure to Zika virus and hearing loss in children.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted to the databases PubMed, Cochrane library, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, SciELO and Lilacs in order to identify studies that examine the association between prenatally Zika exposure and hearing loss within the first few years of life. Studies were eligible for inclusion, if solely objective methods for hearing evaluation of patients such as otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and/or auditory brainstem response (ABR) were used, in children who intrauterine exposed to the Zika virus.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included, which included 1275 children who are prenatally exposed to Zika virus. In 852 of the cases an objective hearing evaluation was performed using either OAEs or ABR. 709 children were tested with ABR and 79 had a failed outcome. 143 children were tested with OAEs whilst of these, 30 had a failed outcome. Altered OAEs ranged from 8.7% to 30.2%, while altered ABR ranged from 0% to 19.9%. The initial sample includes 428 children with microcephaly, while 5 of the studies comprise microcephaly to the inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSION

It seems to be a possible association between prenatal Zika virus exposure and hearing loss in children during the first years of their life. It is of great importance that in future studies possible confounding factors, like microcephaly, will be appropriately controlled. Additionally, the follow-up period of monitoring hearing loss in children should be prolonged in order to identify potential late onset hearing problems caused by intrauterine exposure to Zika virus.

Auditory Performance in Recovered SARS-COV-2 Patients

OBJECTIVE

While COVID-19 symptoms impact rhinology (anosmia) and laryngology (airways), two major disciplines of the otolaryngology armamentarium, the virus has seemed to spare the auditory system. A recent study, however, reported changes in otoacoustic emission (OAE) signals measured in SARS-COV-2 positive patients. We sought to assess the effect of COVID-19 infection on auditory performance in a cohort of recovered SARS-COV-2 patients and controls. To avoid a potential bias of previous audiological dysfunction not related to SARS-COV-2 infection, the study encompasses patients with normal auditory history. We hypothesized that if SARS-COV-2 infection predisposes to hearing loss, we would observe subtle and early audiometric deficits in our cohort in the form of subclinical auditory changes.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

The Institutional Review Board approved the study and we recruited participants who had been positive for SARS-COV-2 infection, according to an Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test on two nasopharyngeal swabs. The patients included in this study were asymptomatic for the SARS-COV-2 infection and were evaluated following recovery, confirmed by repeated swab testing. The control group comprised healthy individuals matched for age and sex, and with a normal auditory and otologic history.

INTERVENTIONS

The eligibility to participate in this study included a normal audiogram, no previous auditory symptoms, normal otoscopy examination with an intact tympanic membrane, and bilateral tympanometry type A. None of our volunteers reported any new auditory symptoms following SARS-COV-2 infection. Ototacoustic emissions (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements were used to evaluate the auditory function.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

OAE and ABR measurements.

RESULTS

We have found no significant differences between recovered asymptomatic SARS-COV-2 patients and controls in any of transitory evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE), distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), or ABR responses.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no cochlear dysfunction represented by ABR, TEOAE, and DPOAE responses in recovered COVID-19 asymptomatic patients. Retrocochlear function was also preserved as evident by the ABR responses. A long-term evaluation of a larger cohort of SARS-COV-2 patients will help to identify a possible contribution of SARS-COV-2 infection to recently published anecdotal auditory symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Auditory findings associated with Zika virus infection: an integrative review

INTRODUCTION

Possible associations between Zika virus infection and hearing loss were observed during the epidemic in the Americas.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the auditory alterations, pathogenesis and recommendations for follow-up in individuals with prenatal or acquired Zika virus infection.

METHODS

Bibliographic research conducted in March/2018-April/2019 at the main available databases. Article selection, data extraction and quality evaluation were carried out by two independent reviewers. Studies containing auditory evaluation of patients with congenital or acquired Zika virus infection; and/or hypotheses or evidences on the pathophysiology of auditory impairment associated with Zika virus; and/or recommendations on screening and follow-up of patients with auditory impairment by Zika virus were included.

RESULTS

A total of 27 articles were selected. Sensorineural and transient hearing loss were reported in six adults with acquired Zika virus infection. Of the 962 studied children, 482 had microcephaly and 145 had diagnostic confirmation of Zika virus; 515 of the 624 children with auditory evaluation performed only screening tests with otoacoustic emissions testing and/or automated click-stimuli auditory brainstem response testing. Studies in prenatally exposed children were very heterogeneous and great variations in the frequency of altered otoacoustic emissions and automated click-stimuli auditory brainstem response occurred across the studies. Altered otoacoustic emissions varied from 0% to 75%, while altered automated click-stimuli auditory brainstem response varied from 0% to 29.2%. Sensorineural, retrocochlear or central origin impairment could not be ruled out. One study with infected mice found no microscopic damage to cochlear hair cells. Studies on the pathogenesis of auditory changes in humans are limited to hypotheses and recommendations still include points of controversy.

CONCLUSION

The available data are still insufficient to understand the full spectrum of the involvement of the auditory organs by Zika virus, the pathogenesis of this involvement or even to confirm the causal association between auditory involvement and virus infection. The screening and follow-up recommendations still present points of controversy.

Diagnosis of congenital/perinatal infections by neonatologists: a national survey

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical approach used by neonatologists for diagnosis of congenital/perinatal infections (CPI); no such data currently exist.

STUDY DESIGN

A national survey regarding the diagnosis of toxoplasma, syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in neonates.

RESULT

We received 553 (11%) responses. Central nervous system calcification or hydrocephalus was the commonest trigger to pursue a CPI diagnosis (98%); maternal history was the least frequent (67%). Four hundred twenty-two (76%) used general screening such as "TORCH titer screen" (57%) or total IgG or IgM (39%). Further evaluation targeted known clinical sequelae; but cerebrospinal fluid testing was used in only 65% of those suspected of having HSV or syphilis. Fifty-six percent chose a treponemal instead of a non-treponemal test for syphilis. Multivariable analyses did not identify factors associated with the clinical diagnostic approach.

CONCLUSION

We observed clinically important deviations from CPI diagnostic test recommendations in a national cohort of neonatologists.

CRISPR/Cas9-Based Antiviral Strategy: Current Status and the Potential Challenge

From its unexpected discovery as a bacterial adaptive immune system to its countless applications as one of the most versatile gene-editing tools, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has revolutionized every field of life science. Virology is no exception to this ever-growing list of CRISPR/Cas9-based applications. Direct manipulation of a virus genome by CRISPR/Cas9 has enabled a systematic study of cis-elements and trans-elements encoded in a virus genome. In addition, this virus genome-specific mutagenesis by CRISPR/Cas9 was further funneled into the development of a novel class of antiviral therapy targeting many incurable chronic viral infections. In this review, a general concept on the CRISPR/Cas9-based antiviral strategy will be described first. To understand the current status of the CRISPR/Cas9-based antiviral approach, a series of recently published antiviral studies involving CRISPR/Cas9-mediated control of several clinically-relevant viruses including human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, herpesviruses, human papillomavirus, and other viruses will be presented. Lastly, the potential challenge and future prospect for successful clinical translation of this CRISPR/Cas9-based antiviral method will be discussed.

Congenital hearing loss

Congenital hearing loss (hearing loss that is present at birth) is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in children. In the majority of developed countries, neonatal hearing screening programmes enable early detection; early intervention will prevent delays in speech and language development and has long-lasting beneficial effects on social and emotional development and quality of life. A diagnosis of hearing loss is usually followed by a search for an underlying aetiology. Congenital hearing loss might be attributed to environmental and prenatal factors, which prevail in low-income settings; congenital infections, particularly cytomegalovirus infection, are also a common risk factor for hearing loss. Genetic causes probably account for the majority of cases in developed countries; mutations can affect any component of the hearing pathway, in particular, inner ear homeostasis (endolymph production and maintenance) and mechano-electrical transduction (the conversion of a mechanical stimulus into electrochemical activity). Once the underlying cause of hearing loss is established, it might direct therapeutic decision making and guide prevention and (genetic) counselling. Management options include specific antimicrobial therapies, surgical treatment of craniofacial abnormalities and implantable or non-implantable hearing devices. An improved understanding of the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms that underlie hearing loss and increased awareness of recent advances in genetic testing will promote the development of new treatment and screening strategies.

[Intrauterine infections as a risk factor of the development of sensorineural impairment of hearing ]

Intrauterine infections are a crucial pathogenic factor exerting an appreciable influence on the development of the fetus. They can provoke intrauterine death, cause multiple lesions in the organs and tissues as well as long-term complications that manifest themselves at the later stages of the growth and development of the child. One of such complications is the sensorineural loss of hearing. The importance of hearing impairment arises from the high prevalence of tis condition and frequent incapacitation it causes in the patients. The present publication is focused on various mechanisms underlying the development of hearing impairment depending on the primary infection. Special attention is given to the methods of diagnostics and treatment of intrauterine infections.

Inhibition of HSV-1 Replication by Gene Editing Strategy

HSV-1 induced illness affects greater than 85% of adults worldwide with no permanent curative therapy. We used RNA-guided CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to specifically target for deletion of DNA sequences of the HSV-1 genome that span the region directing expression of ICP0, a key viral protein that stimulates HSV-1 gene expression and replication. We found that CRISPR/Cas9 introduced InDel mutations into exon 2 of the ICP0 gene profoundly reduced HSV-1 infectivity in permissive human cell culture models and protected permissive cells against HSV-1 infection. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated targeting ICP0 prevented HSV-1-induced disintegration of promonocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies, an intracellular event critical to productive HSV-1 infection that is initiated by interaction of the ICP0 N-terminus with PML. Combined treatment of cells with CRISPR targeting ICP0 plus the immediate early viral proteins, ICP4 or ICP27, completely abrogated HSV-1 infection. We conclude that RNA-guided CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to develop a novel, specific and efficacious therapeutic and prophylactic platform for targeted viral genomic ablation to treat HSV-1 diseases.

Newborn hearing screening programme in Belgium: a consensus recommendation on risk factors

Background

Understanding the risk factors for hearing loss is essential for designing the Belgian newborn hearing screening programme. Accordingly, they needed to be updated in accordance with current scientific knowledge. This study aimed to update the recommendations for the clinical management and follow-up of newborns with neonatal risk factors of hearing loss for the newborn screening programme in Belgium.

Methods

A literature review was performed, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system assessment method was used to determine the level of evidence quality and strength of the recommendation for each risk factor. The state of scientific knowledge, levels of evidence quality, and graded recommendations were subsequently assessed using a three-round Delphi consensus process (two online questionnaires and one face-to-face meeting).

Results

Congenital infections (i.e., cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and syphilis), a family history of hearing loss, consanguinity in (grand)parents, malformation syndromes, and foetal alcohol syndrome presented a ‘high’ level of evidence quality as neonatal risk factors for hearing loss. Because of the sensitivity of auditory function to bilirubin toxicity, hyperbilirubinaemia was assessed at a ‘moderate’ level of evidence quality. In contrast, a very low birth weight, low Apgar score, and hospitalisation in the neonatal intensive care unit ranged from ‘very low’ to ‘low’ levels, and ototoxic drugs were evidenced as ‘very low’. Possible explanations for these ‘very low’ and ‘low’ levels include the improved management of these health conditions or treatments, and methodological weaknesses such as confounding effects, which make it difficult to conclude on individual risk factors. In the recommendation statements, the experts emphasised avoiding unidentified neonatal hearing loss and opted to include risk factors for hearing loss even in cases with weak evidence. The panel also highlighted the cumulative effect of risk factors for hearing loss.

Conclusions

We revised the recommendations for the clinical management and follow-up of newborns exhibiting neonatal risk factors for hearing loss on the basis of the aforementioned evidence-based approach and clinical experience from experts. The next step is the implementation of these findings in the Belgian screening programme.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12887-015-0479-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Acquired Hearing Loss in Children

Hearing loss is the most common congenital sensory impairment. According to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2001 to 2008, 20.3% of subjects aged greater than or equal to 12 had unilateral or bilateral hearing loss. The World Health Organization notes that, worldwide, there are 360 million people with disabling hearing loss, with 50% preventable. Although many hearing losses are acquired, many others are manifestations of preexisting conditions. The purpose of a pediatric hearing evaluation is to identify the degree and type of hearing loss and etiology and to outline a comprehensive strategy that supports language and social development and communication.

Viral causes of hearing loss: a review for hearing health professionals

A number of viral infections can cause hearing loss. Hearing loss induced by these viruses can be congenital or acquired, unilateral or bilateral. Certain viral infections can directly damage inner ear structures, others can induce inflammatory responses which then cause this damage, and still others can increase susceptibility or bacterial or fungal infection, leading to hearing loss. Typically, virus-induced hearing loss is sensorineural, although conductive and mixed hearing losses can be seen following infection with certain viruses. Occasionally, recovery of hearing after these infections can occur spontaneously. Most importantly, some of these viral infections can be prevented or treated. For many of these viruses, guidelines for their treatment or prevention have recently been revised. In this review, we outline many of the viruses that cause hearing loss, their epidemiology, course, prevention, and treatment.

Etiological diagnosis in the hearing impaired newborn: proposal of a flow chart

OBJECTIVE

Most industrialized countries have introduced some form of universal newborn hearing screening program. Both identification and rehabilitation of hearing loss in newborns have evolved to an acceptable standard and the need for a standardized etiological protocol is emerging.

METHODS

Extensive literature search to determine which investigations can help identifying the cause of congenital hearing loss and how to limit extensive testing in these children by taking into account the most prevalent causes.

FINDINGS

A stepwise approach to detect the cause of hearing loss in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss was developed.

CONCLUSION

In general it is advised to first rule out Cx26/Cx30 and infectious causes (cytomegalovirus and, if indicated, toxoplasmosis and rubella), and to preserve more extensive investigations for those children in whom these causes do not explain the hearing loss.

Do herpes e suas implicações audiológicas: uma revisao de literatura

TEMA: herpes e audiologia. OBJETIVO: realizar revisão teórica principalmente sobre os vírus herpes simples tipo 1, herpes simples tipo 2 e varicela-zoster, bem como sobre seus efeitos na audição humana. Esses se constituem nos tipos de vírus herpéticos humanos de maior relevância para a área da Audiologia dentro da ciência da Fonoaudiologia e, no entanto, são pouco conhecidos e estudados, especialmente no Brasil. MÉTODOS: realizou-se pesquisa em bases de dados eletrônicas nacionais e internacionais, incluindo SciELO, MEDLINE e LILACS, a partir da seguinte combinação de descritores: herpes simplex/zoster X hearing loss ou deafness. Foram selecionados estudos publicados desde a década de 90 até os dias atuais, relevando-se aqueles que contivessem maior valor informativo, contribuindo para os objetivos do presente trabalho. CONCLUSÃO: os vírus herpéticos estudados apresentam estreita relação com distúrbios auditivos, independentemente da idade em que o sujeito é acometido.