Herpes Simplex

Herpes Simplex (types 1 & 2) as well as Varicella zoster viruses are both detected in our "Real-time" PCR assay, since such viruses cause skin lesions that cannot always be clearly distinguished clinically.

Our experience with samples from the genital area is that approximately 3.5% of all positives are Varicella zoster (VZV) and from non-genital sites 26% are VZV, the balance in both instances being positive for herpes simplex virus. before the introduction of our multiplex assay, lesions in the genital area caused by VZV would have not been detected.

The ideal sample is a swab of a freshly blistering lesion that can be broken to obtain fluid. As the lesion ages and begins to heal the yield of positive results decreases despite the extremely high sensivity of the assay.