Serum Amyloid A Levels in Patients with Infections Due to Cytomegalovirus, Varicella-Zoster Virus, and Herpes Simplex Virus

Serum amyloid A is an acute-phase reactant which is elevated in chronic inflammatory diseases. It is synthesized in vitro by isolated hepatocytes. The data show an early rise in serum amyloid A levels in the acute phase of infection with cytomegalovirus, varicella-zoster virus, and herpes simplex virus followed by a rapid return to normal levels. The highest levels were observed in patients with herpes encephalitis (125 mu g/ml), varicella meningitis (156 mu g/ml), and infections due to cytomegalovirus (144 mu g/ml and 132 mu g/ml). No decrease occurred after 47 days of extensive lesions due to herpes simplex virus in only one patient. Serum amyloid A levels might be of value in monitoring the severity of, recovery from, and effects of therapy for infections with herpesviruses.