Preliminary comparison of three LightCycler PCR assays for the detection of herpes simplex virus in swab specimens

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2003 Dec;22(12):764-7. doi: 10.1007/s10096-003-1031-2. Epub 2003 Nov 7.

Abstract

Three Herpes Simplex Virus LightCycler polymerase chain reaction assays were compared for the detection of herpes simplex virus in 48 swab specimens. The assays comprised of one in-house assay and two commercial kits: the Artus HSV LC RealArt PCR kit and the Roche LightCycler HSV 1/2 Detection kit. On the whole, the three assays had comparable sensitivities. However, differentiation of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 by melting curve analysis was problematic in all assays. Overall, the results highlight the limitations of typing herpes simplex virus by melting curve analysis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Base Sequence
  • Cohort Studies
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Herpes Simplex / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sampling Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Simplexvirus / isolation & purification*
  • Skin / virology
  • Specimen Handling

Substances

  • DNA, Viral