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Varicella-zoster virus detection by polymerase chain reaction using bronchoalveolar lavage specimens
C T Cowl1, U B Prakash, P Shawn Mitchell
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Dermatology, Mayo Medical Center and Mayo Medical School, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. cowl.clayton@mayo.edu
Abstract:
We report the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques from a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimen for the successful early diagnosis in a case of atypical but severe varicella-zoster virus (VZV) pneumonitis. Atypical presentations of disseminated VZV frequently prolong the time required for accurate diagnosis, resulting in increased morbidity, or mortality. Although further investigation is necessary to determine the sensitivity and positive predictive value of this test, PCR analysis of bronchoscopic specimens may expedite the diagnosis of disseminated VZV.