Optimizing PCR positivity criterion for detection of herpes simplex virus DNA on skin and mucosa

J Clin Microbiol. 2007 May;45(5):1618-20. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01405-06. Epub 2007 Feb 28.

Abstract

In 1997, we developed a PCR assay for the detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA. Recently, we determined an optimal positivity criterion based on research specimens and a dilution study. We found that a cutoff of 50 HSV DNA copies/ml of swab specimen, a level 10-fold lower than our previous cutoff, minimizes misclassification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Viral / genetics*
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification*
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Humans
  • Mucous Membrane / virology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Simplexvirus / genetics*
  • Simplexvirus / isolation & purification*
  • Skin / virology*
  • Virus Shedding

Substances

  • DNA, Viral