Comparison of Light-Cycler PCR, enzyme immunoassay, and tissue culture fordetection of Herpes Simplex Virus

A rapid PCR method was developed using the Roche LightCycler technology for detection of Herpes Simplex Virus I and II. The Lightcycler method was com pared with tissue culture and direct HSV antigen detection using routine cl inical samples. The LightCycler PCR was shown to be more sensitive than iso lation by tissue culture (sensitivity of culture versus PCR 78%) and HSV an tigen detection (sensitivity of EIA versus PCR 56%). The amplified product may be typed without additional tests. The LightCycler PCR method provides a rapid method for HSV detection that correlates well with established test s. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.