LightCycler multiplex PCR for the laboratory diagnosis of common viral infections of the central nervous system

A conventional multiplex PCR assay that detects herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, varicella-zoster virus, and enteroviruses for the diagnosi s of central nervous system infections was modified to be performed using t he LightCycler system. The sensitivity of detection of each of the viruses using the LightCycler assay was compared to that of the conventional assay using external quality assessment material. The assays had equivalent sensi tivities, but the LightCycler assay was more rapid, reduced the risk of con tamination, and used an amplicon detection format that demonstrated greater discrimination than a get electrophoresis method.