Evaluation of LightCycler PCR for implementation of laboratory diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections

Five hundred specimens (288 genital, 192 dermal, and 20 ocular) were extrac ted by technologists, and the DNA was assayed by LightCycler PCR (DNA polym erase and thymidine kinase [TK] gene targets) and by conventional tube and shell vial cell culture. One hundred fifty-eight confirmed (by cell culture and TK target PCR) positive and LightCycler-positive specimens were detect ed during the first 30 PCR cycles. LightCycler PCR-positive results for cyc les 31 to 45 (39 of 67 [58.2%]) required confirmation by another PCR target (TK). LightCycler PCR is more sensitive (n = 197; 23.1%) than cell culture s (n = 150) for the routine laboratory detection of herpes simplex virus in fections.