Rapid Risk Assessment: Cyclovirus in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with central nervous system infection
This assessment is related to the publication of the identification of a new cyclovirus species, tentatively named cyclovirus-Vietnam (CyCV-VN), in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute central nervous system infection. However, there are insufficient data to assess the risk for disease occurrence in humans or potential of human-to-human transmission. Further studies should be encouraged in Europe and elsewhere to investigate the possible pathogenicity, epidemiology, and transmission patterns of cycloviruses.
Executive Summary
In 2013, studies conducted on human samples in Vietnam and Malawi demonstrated for the first time that cyclovirus may be associated with central nervous system infection in humans. A definitive causal link was not established and would require additional studies.
Detection of cycloviruses in human or animal samples from Europe has not yet been reported. At this point, epidemiological data on cyclovirus infections and carriage in humans are very limited. Consequently, the risk for disease occurrence in humans cannot be assessed with any degree of accuracy.
The detection of cyclovirus in animal samples points to a potential animal reservoir and, potentially, a zoonotic infection. There are insufficient data to assess the potential of human-to-human transmission. Further studies are needed to assess the geographical spread of the virus and its potential reservoir (wild and domestic animals).