Amplification of herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA in human geniculate ganglia from formalin-fixed, nonembedded temporal bones

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has provided new insights in molecular biol ogy. Recently, some studies have been focused on temporal bone pathology, w ith amplification of DNA from fixed sections of celloidin-embedded bones. T he purpose of our study was to elucidate the utility of PCR in detection of minor concentrations of DNA from nonoptimal stored samples. We obtained ge niculate ganglia from 30 temporal bones preserved in formalin for a long ti me, without any process of embedding. By performing a nested PCR assay, we detected herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA in 13 of 30 ganglia (43%), We conc lude therefore that study of temporal bones stored under poor conditions by PCR is possible, although them are some limitations when compared with fre sh or optimally archived samples.