Comparison of Light-Cycler PCR, enzyme immunoassay, and tissue culture for detection of herpes simplex virus.

A rapid PCR method was developed using the Roche LightCycler technology for detection of Herpes Simplex Virus I and II. The Lightcycler method was compared with tissue culture and direct HSV antigen detection using routine clinical samples. The LightCycler PCR was shown to be more sensitive than isolation by tissue culture (sensitivity of culture versus PCR 78%) and HSV antigen detection (sensitivity of EIA versus PCR 56%). The amplified product may be typed without additional tests. The LightCycler PCR method provides a rapid method for HSV detection that correlates well with established tests.