Cytologic detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in nipple discharge by in situ hybridization: report of two cases.

Cytologic changes in the smears from nipple discharge of two cases with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are described. The cytology revealed the ground-glass appearance of the nuclei with multinucleated syncytial cells. Subsequently, in situ hybridization (ISH) using a biotinylated DNA probe was applied to identify the HSV DNA in the Papanicolaou-destained specimens. Positive hybridization was found with intense staining for the HSV DNA in the nuclei of cells having a ground-glass appearance. Cytologic observation together with ISH procedure may be rapid and valuable tool for the detection and final demonstration of HSV infections. Similar investigations may be carried out in cellular samples from other body sites.