Herpes Virus Group DNA

Test Identifier Information

Detection of HSV and/or VZV DNA. Nucleic acid extraction, PCR amplification and detection.

Genital , ocular, tissue, dermal samples and vesicular fluids are tested using this protocol

Specimen Collection

Please consult laboratory if urgent.

Lesion, ulcer and vesicle swabs

It is optimal to collect specimens within three days of eruption. Disrupt/remove top of vesicle, and collect fluid with a dacron tipped swab (black top swab).With the same swab rub the base of the lesion, ulcer or open vesicle, Return the dry swab to the Laboratory. DO NOT place in bacterial transport medium

For non-vesicular lesions it is recommended that cells be collected from the base of the lesion using a swab pre-moistened with sterile saline.

Swab Identification Guide

Tissues

Place small samples into virus transport medium to prevent drying. Place bigger specimens into a sterile container.

 Blood:

If neonatal disseminated HSV is suspected an EDTA sample (purple tube) should be submitted.

CHLabs Laboratory

Interpretation

Herpes simplex virus causes both latent, asymptomatic and symptomatic infections. During primary infection shedding can occur from sites other than the primary lesion, similarly during reactivation virus shedding may occur in the presence or absence of symptoms.

Diagnostic testing is helpful when clinical diagnosis is uncertain (especially immunocompromised individuals), where atypical lesions are present or when antiviral therapy is contemplated.

Results are reported as Herpes simplex virus (1 or 2) DNA DETECTED or Herpes simplex virus DNA NOT detected.

PCR results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical history or symptomatology.

Application/Testing Strategy/Pricing Structure

Application:

Diagnostic testing for Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is very helpful when a clinical diagnosis is uncertain (especially in immunocompromised individuals), where atypical lesions are present or when antiviral therapy is contemplated.

These assay can be used for the detection and subtyping of HSV nucleic acid from all samples and sites excluding CSF. For CSF testing refer to Herpes simplex virus - CSF.

Nucleic acid testing by PCR HSV has an increased sensitivity and provides improved turn around time compared to virus culture. PCR is now the diagnostic test of choice for HSV, and has replaced antigen detection and culture at CHL.

Direct antigen and culture are still available on request. Please consult the Virology laboratory.

Testing Strategy:

Where possible the referrer needs to indicate the site and virus of interest. This will help the laboratory rationalise what testing is needed. For example genital sites will be tested for Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) one and two. Cutaneous sites will be tested for Varicella zoster virus (VZV) first and then for HSV if clinically indicated. Samples from oral and lip lesions will be tested for HSV. Often HSV and VZV skin infections are clinically indistinguishable.