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Transport media for herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2
Applied Microbiology
|September 1, 1971
Summary
The modified Leibovitz-Emory medium (LEM) demonstrated superior herpes simplex virus (HSV) recovery rates, especially for HSV type 2. This advancement improves laboratory confirmation and typing of HSV infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections require accurate laboratory diagnosis.
- Effective transport media are crucial for maintaining viral viability from specimen collection to analysis.
- Current transport methods may have limitations in preserving HSV, particularly at ambient temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the efficacy of three different transport media for the recovery of HSV types 1 and 2 from clinical specimens.
- To determine the optimal medium for HSV recovery under various storage and shipping conditions, including ambient temperature.
- To assess the suitability of a modified Leibovitz-Emory medium (LEM) for routine clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Collected 197 clinical specimens and inoculated them into Leibovitz viral transport medium, modified Leibovitz-Emory medium (LEM), and Amies bacterial transport medium.
- Stored and shipped specimens for 1 to 19 days at ambient temperature or on dry ice.
- Assessed viral recovery rates for HSV types 1 and 2 using quantitative methods.
- Corroborated findings with in vitro and in vivo studies using genitally infected mice.
Main Results:
- The modified Leibovitz-Emory medium (LEM) showed the highest recovery rate for both HSV types.
- LEM was particularly effective in recovering HSV type 2 from specimens stored at ambient temperature.
- Results were consistent between human clinical specimens and animal model studies.
- Amies medium and standard Leibovitz medium showed lower recovery rates compared to LEM.
Conclusions:
- The modified Leibovitz-Emory medium (LEM) is a highly effective transport system for HSV, outperforming conventional media.
- Utilizing LEM allows for reliable HSV detection and typing from specimens shipped at ambient temperature, simplifying logistics.
- This improved transport method enhances accessibility to timely laboratory confirmation for clinicians managing suspected herpetic infections.