Journal of medical virology
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The availability of cloned varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA probes allows rapid detection of viral-specific DNA by "dot-blot" hybridization in lymphocytes or in lesion aspirates. Thirty-six blood specimens were obtained from 25 patients with suspected varicella or zoster. VZV-specific DNA was demonstrated in 15 lymphocyte preparations of nine patients with varicella and in one with disseminated zoster out of five patients with zoster. ⋯ The sensitivity limit of detection was 4-15 pg of homologous DNA, and the assay was accomplished within 72-96 hr. These results point to the possible rapid diagnosis of VZV infection in patients suspected of varicella or generalized zoster. In addition, simultaneous infection with both VZV and HSV seems to occur in some patients.