Quantitative detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in the lower respiratory tract

Quantitation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage specimens could indicate an infectious role in the lower respiratory tract. The aim of this study was to compare quantitative HSV DNA results from adult bronchoalveolar lavage specimens to clinical outcome. Quantitative real-time PCR assays targeting HSV and other herpes viruses were performed on adult bronchoalveolar lavage specimens obtained from a largely immunocompromised population during a 1-year period. The results were compared to patient characteristics and outcome. HSV DNA was detected in 11 (19%) of 57 bronchoalveolar lavage specimens with a mean viral level of 5.6 log genome equivalents/ml (range, 2.9-8.1 log). A threshold of HSV DNA levels equal or higher than 5.0 log (n = 7) was associated with mortality within 28 days following hospital admission (odds ratio [OR], 6.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-39.2). A threshold level of 5.5 log was associated with mortality within 28 days of sampling (OR 8.5; 95% CI 1.2-62.1), only after excluding patients receiving specific antiviral medication. Patients with HSV DNA levels equal or higher than 7.5 log had severe respiratory failure. Viral pneumonia was histologically proven in one patient with 8.0 log at autopsy. No patient with HSV DNA levels below 5.5 log (n = 5) or DNA levels higher than 5.0 log of cytomegalovirus (CMV) (n = 3), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (n = 9), varicella-zoster virus (VZV) (n = 1), or human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) (n = 0) died within 28 days of hospital admission. We conclude that quantitative detection of HSV DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is a potential diagnostic tool for detection of relevant viral infection of the lower respiratory tract.