Correlation between detection of herpes simplex virus in oral secretions by PCR and susceptibility to experimental UV radiation-induced herpes labialis.

We examined the oral secretions of 25 patients for herpes simplex virus (HSV) at the time of and following experimental UV radiation (UVR). HSV was detected in one or more oral secretion specimens in 5 of 12 (42%) cases by cell culture and in 8 of 12 (67%) cases by PCR. On the day of UVR, HSV was detected in 1 of 12 (8%) patients who developed a lip lesion and 2 of 16 (13%) patients who did not (the difference is not significant). We conclude that PCR is more sensitive than culture in the detection of HSV and that HSV is not shed with increased frequency from the oral cavity before the development of UVR-induced herpes labialis.