TY - JOUR T1 - Detection of varicella zoster virus in genital specimens using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction JF - Sexually Transmitted Infections JO - Sex Transm Infect SP - 298 LP - 300 DO - 10.1136/sti.79.4.298 VL - 79 IS - 4 AU - C J Birch AU - J D Druce AU - M C Catton AU - L MacGregor AU - T Read Y1 - 2003/08/01 UR - http://sti.bmj.com/content/79/4/298.abstract N2 - Objective: To compare the relative proportions of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex viruses in specimens obtained from the genital lesions of adults presenting with presumed genital herpes infection. Methods: Swabs of genital lesions from 6210 patients attending general practices, infectious diseases clinics within hospitals, or sexual health centres for treatment of their genital lesions were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. The multiplexed PCR was capable of detecting herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2), VZV, and cytomegalovirus in a single sample. Results: A total of 2225 patients had viruses detected by PCR. HSV-1 was detected in 36%, HSV-2 in 61%, and VZV in 2.9% of PCR positive samples. Of the 65 patients with VZV genital infection, many were thought to have HSV infection before laboratory testing. Conclusions: The finding of VZV in nearly 3% of virus positive genital specimens demonstrates that this virus needs to be considered as a differential diagnosis for genital herpetic lesions. Advice provided to patients with VZV genital infection regarding the source of infection, likelihood of recurrence, and potential for transmission of the virus will be different from that given to patients with HSV infection. ER -