Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus and Varicella-Zoster Virus by Traditional and Multiplex Molecular Methods.

Objectives: To compare multiplex nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) that detect and differentiate herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) with traditional virologic assays.

Methods: The HSV ELVIS Test System (Quidel, San Diego, CA) and/or Light Diagnostics VZV direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) kit (Millipore Sigma, Billerica, MA), as well as an ARIES HSV 1&2/VZV assay (Luminex, Austin, TX) and the Solana HSV1 + 2/VZV Assay (Quidel), were performed on non-cerebrospinal fluid specimens.

Results: The sensitivities/specificities for the ELVIS, Aries, and Solana assays for HSV were 71.1%/93.2%, 94.9%/93.2%, and 94.7%/100%, respectively. The sensitivities/specificities for the DFA, Aries, and Solana assays for VZV were 71.4%/100%, 100%/96.0%, and 95.3%/100%, respectively. HSV and VZV were detected but clinically unsuspected in 5.4% and 4.2% of the specimens, respectively.

Conclusions: Both NAAT assays were comparable and more sensitive than traditional methods. The recovery of unsuspected HSV and VZV from clinical specimens supports the implementation of a combined HSV/VZV assay.