Evaluation of specific herpes DNA viruses in idiopathic megarectum and idiopathic megacolon

Abstract

Purpose: The aetiology of idiopathic megarectum and idiopathic megacolon is unknown. A previous study in patients with chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, a condition also associated with a dilated gut, identified the possible involvement of herpes viruses. This study therefore aimed to determine whether these viruses may also be implicated in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Methods: Resected large bowel from three patients with idiopathic megarectum and three patients with idiopathic megacolon were studied. Histology for viral inclusions and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 ..