Monitoring of herpes simplex virus DNA types 1 and 2 viral load in cerebrospinal fluid by real-time PCR in patients with herpes simplex encephalitis.

A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was evaluated retrospectively on 92 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 29 patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis with the aim to study if the concentration of HSV genomes can be used as a prognostic marker and for monitoring of antiviral therapy. The results were compared to those obtained previously by nested PCR, and the numbers of HSV genomes/ml were evaluated in correlation to patient outcome and treatment. The aims were to compare the sensitivity of a conventional nested PCR to a quantitative PCR, to investigate the range of HSV genome concentration in initial samples and to evaluate possible relationships between the HSV DNA concentrations in CSF, neopterin levels, and outcome of disease.

Human herpes virus DNA is rarely detected in non-UV light-associated primary malignant melanomas of mucous membranes.

Background: UV-radiation is the most important causative factor for malignant melanomas of the skin. However, this is not the case for melanomas on sun-sheltered body surfaces. The aim of this study was to investigate if human herpes virus DNA could be found in malignant melanomas in sun-sheltered body areas and if these viruses play a role in the development of extracutaneous melanomas.

An international external quality assessment of nucleic acid amplification of herpes simplex virus.

Background: There is an increasing awareness of the need for external quality control of diagnostic virology.

Objectives: To assess the quality of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAT) of herpes simplex within Europe.

Study Design: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) proficiency panels were produced at the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control on behalf of the European Union Concerted Action for Quality Control of Nucleic Acid Amplification in 1999 and 2000.

Point mutations induced by foscarnet (PFA) in the human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase.

Background: In vitro selection of viruses with decreased drug susceptibility is a useful tool for mapping drug resistance-associated alterations, evaluating cross-resistance profiles, and elucidating molecular mechanisms of antiviral activity.

Objectives: To provide data on mechanisms of selective drug action and features of drug resistance that may be clinically important.

Study Design: Foscarnet (PFA) and ganciclovir (GCV) were used to induce mutants of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Towne strain.

Sequence analysis of UL54 and UL97 genes and evaluation of antiviral susceptibility of human cytomegalovirus isolates obtained from kidney allograft recipients before and after treatment.

The frequency of infections caused by drug-resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) in solid-organ transplant recipients is not known. Only a few resistant strains have been described in transplant recipients. Antiviral susceptibility to ganciclovir (GCV) and foscarnet (PFA) of CMV isolates from 24 renal transplant patients with CMV viremia and CMV disease before and after therapy were investigated by a solid phase ELISA.