Comparison of virus culture (VC) and PCR for HSV detection in different clinical presentations of genital herpes
| Total | HSV positive | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| VC No (%) | PCR No (%) | ||
| First episode | 83 | 26 (31) | 41 (49) |
| Recurrent episode | 62 | 19 (31) | 36 (58) |
| Onset <5 days | 64 | 27 (42) | 38 (59) |
| Onset ⩾5 days | 81 | 18 (22) | 39 (48) |
| Visible ulceration | 97 | 33 (34) | 62 (64) |
| No visible ulceration | 48 | 12 (25) | 15 (31) |
| HIV positive | 17 | 7 (41) | 12 (71) |
| HIV negative | 58 | 20 (34) | 32 (55) |
| HIV status unknown | 70 | 18 (26) | 33 (47) |
| Men | 85 | 24 (28) | 43 (51) |
| Women | 60 | 21 (35) | 34 (57) |
| Total | 145 | 45 (31) | 77 (53) |