Comparison of viral isolation, direct immunofluorescence, and indirect immunoperoxidase techniques for detection of genital herpes simplex virus infection

J Clin Microbiol. 1981 May;13(5):913-8. doi: 10.1128/jcm.13.5.913-918.1981.

Abstract

Seventy-six consecutive patients presenting to a genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) clinic were enrolled in a study comparing viral isolation (VI), indirect immunoperoxidase (indirect IP), and direct immunofluorescence (direct FA) techniques for the detection of HSV antigen. Of the 76 patients, 61 (80%) demonstrated HSV by VI, compared with 66% by indirect IP and 55% by direct FA (P less than 0.05). Genital lesions from nine patients demonstrated HSV antigen by direct FA or indirect IP but were VI negative; eight of nine patients had subsequent episodes of genital HSV confirmed by VI. During the vesicular-pustular stage of the disease, VI was positive in 90%, indirect IP was positive in 76%, and direct FA was positive in 71% of the lesions, whereas with ulcerative lesions, VI was positive in 72%, indirect IP was positive in 55%, and direct FA was positive in 38%. These commercially available rapid viral diagnostic techniques are specific and useful, if adequate specimens are obtained from early genital lesions.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Viral / analysis
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique*
  • Genital Diseases, Female / diagnosis*
  • Genital Diseases, Male / diagnosis*
  • Herpes Simplex / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques*
  • Male
  • Simplexvirus / immunology
  • Simplexvirus / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral