LUMINOMETRIC MICROPLATE HYBRIDIZATION FOR DETECTION OF VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS PCR PRODUCT FROM CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID

We modified and optimized a new microplate hybridization assay to dete ct the varciella-zoster virus (VZV) PCR product, and studied cerebrosp inal fluid (CSF) samples of 287 patients with meningitis, encephalitis or other neurological diseases or symptoms. Specific antibodies to VZ V and reference antigens were determined by enzyme immunoassay from se rum and CSF, they were then compared with clinical findings and with t he results obtained by VZV-PCR using different detection methods for V ZV-specific amplified DNA. VZV DNA was found in the CSF of 25 patients using the microplate hybridization assay and chemiluminescence detect ion for amplified DNA. All 25 CSF samples were also positive in Southe rn blotting. Among the patients, 10 had chickenpox, 4 had shingles, an d 11 had no rash at all. The detection rate of VZV-specific DNA by mic roplate hybridization was 30% higher than that obtained by conventiona l agarose gel electrophoresis. In most patients the diagnosis was conf irmed by demonstrating specific intrathecal antibody production to VZV but not to other viruses. These results indicate the presence of VZV in the central nervous system (CNS) in many patients with chickenpox o r shingles, and even in patients without a rash. The microplate hybrid ization assay based on chemiluminescence detection improves considerab ly the detection rate of the VZV-PCR product compared to agarose gel e lectrophoresis and will add to the list of recognized VZV infections i n the CNS. II is especially useful in cases where there is no cutaneou s manifestation. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.