Human parechovirus type 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 detection in picornavirus cultures.

Picornavirus cultures that could not be typed in neutralization assays were analyzed by VP1 reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and a virus discovery tool (VIDISCA). Human parechoviruses (HPeVs) were frequently identified, among which were the uncommon isolates HPeV-4, HPeV-5, and HPeV-6. The HPeV-5 isolate could be amplified only by VIDISCA and not by VP1 RT-PCR.

Survey of acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus in the Netherlands: prevalence and characterization.

Background: Widespread and frequent use of acyclovir (ACV) for treatment, suppressive therapy and prophylaxis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections and its over the counter availability may be associated with emergence of HSV resistance.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of ACV-resistant HSV isolates in different patient groups between 1999 and 2002 in the Netherlands.

Study Design: A total of 542 isolates, 410 HSV-1 and 132 HSV-2, from 496 patients were screened for reduced susceptibility to ACV.

Identification of a new human coronavirus.

Three human coronaviruses are known to exist: human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), HCoV-OC43 and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Here we report the identification of a fourth human coronavirus, HCoV-NL63, using a new method of virus discovery. The virus was isolated from a 7-month-old child suffering from bronchiolitis and conjunctivitis.