DIAGNOSIS OF HERPES-SIMPLEX ENCEPHALITIS AND TYPING BY POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION FOLLOWED BY ENDONUCLEASE CLEAVAGE

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for the early diagnosi s of herpes simplex encephalitis in cerebrospinal fluid. Two sets of p rimers allow the amplification of both herpes simplex virus types, HSV -1 and HSV-2, in the DNA polymerase gene and in the glycoprotein D gen e. The virus types can subsequently be differentiated by restriction e nzyme cleavage. Positive results were obtained up to 9 days after init iation of treatment.