DETECTION OF HUMAN-HERPESVIRUS-6 DNA IN SERUM BY A MICROPLATE PCR-HYBRIDIZATION ASSAY

PCR was performed on DNA extracts derived from clinical serum samples submitted for human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) serological examination, To detect amplified HHV-6 products, a hybridization-based microtiter plat e assay (PCR ELISA; Boehringer Mannheim) was used, The assay system wa s found to be rapid, specific, and sensitive, Approximately three copi es of a plasmid-based HHV-6 sequence could be detected, and no cross a mplification was observed with HHV-7 genomic DNA, There was no correla tion found between HHV-6 DNA detection and serological status in clini cal serum samples from individuals more than 2 years old, On the other hand, in serum samples from infants less than 2 years old, a high rat e of detection of HHV-6 DNA was observed in those who lacked immunoglo bulin G and M antibodies to HHV-6 (55%). In this regard, PCR of serum DNA extracts may be used as a sensitive indicator of active HHV-6 infe ction in infants prior to their seroconversion.