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Continuous high-speed rolling versus centrifugation for detection of herpes simplex virus
J H Hughes1, V V Hamparian, C T Mavromoustakis
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 1, 1989
Summary
High-speed rolling culture significantly improves herpes simplex virus detection using immunoperoxidase staining, especially for low-titer samples. This method offers superior sensitivity compared to traditional shell vial techniques for diagnosing herpes simplex virus infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Diagnostic Microbiology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections require accurate and rapid laboratory diagnosis.
- Traditional diagnostic methods like shell vial culture have limitations in sensitivity and speed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic efficacy of a high-speed rolling culture method versus the conventional shell vial technique for HSV detection.
- To evaluate the impact of viral titer on the sensitivity of each method.
Main Methods:
- Specimens were inoculated into both shell vials and conventional culture tubes incubated with high-speed rolling (96 rpm).
- Detection of positive cultures was performed using immunoperoxidase (IP) staining and observation of cytopathic effects (CPE).
- Sensitivity was assessed using both high- and low-titered viral preparations at different time points (16 h and 64 h).
Main Results:
- At 24 hours, rolled cultures showed significantly higher CPE detection rates (53%) than shell vials (21%).
- For low-titered preparations at 64 hours, high-speed rolling achieved 95% IP positivity, compared to 58% for shell vials.
- No significant difference in sensitivity was observed between methods for high-titered preparations at 16 hours.
Conclusions:
- High-speed rolling culture demonstrates superior sensitivity for detecting herpes simplex virus via immunoperoxidase staining, particularly with low viral loads.
- The high-speed rolling method offers a more effective alternative to shell vial techniques for HSV diagnosis.