Rapid detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in human brain tissue by in situ hybridization

A commercial system for detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA by in situ hybridization gave positive results on 16 of 17 stored human brain specimens that were positive for HSV on initial testing by virus isolation and immunofluorescence staining, and the hybridization system gave negative results on 13 brain specimens that showed no evidence of HSV by isolation or immunofluorescence staining.