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Rapid detection of HSV from cytologic specimens collected into ThinPrep fixative
M D Fiel-Gan1, C F Villamil, S R Mandavilli
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hartford Hospital, Connecticut 06102, USA.
Acta Cytologica
|December 1, 1999
Summary
A new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay accurately detects herpes simplex virus (HSV) in cervical cytology specimens. This method confirms HSV diagnoses without compromising cellular morphology, aiding clinical decisions.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Pathology
- Virology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality.
- Cervical HSV diagnoses can lead to cesarean delivery, increasing maternal risks.
- False positive HSV diagnoses occur with altered endocervical cells and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay for detecting HSV-1 and HSV-2.
- To test the assay on routine cervical cytology specimens preserved in ThinPrep fixative.
Main Methods:
- DNA extraction from five cases with cytologic changes suggestive of HSV infection.
- PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis to detect HSV DNA.
Main Results:
- HSV DNA was detected in 3 out of 5 cases.
- These cases were cytologically diagnosed as suspicious or strongly suspicious for HSV infection.
Conclusions:
- Combining ThinPrep liquid-based cytology with PCR enables rapid HSV diagnosis confirmation.
- This approach preserves diagnostic cellular morphology on cytology slides.