Table 4

All PCR positive specimens; comparison of culture positive and culture negative specimens

PCR and culture concordant (n=87) (100%)PCR and culture discordant (n=20) (100%)
Duration of lesion
    1–5 days52 (59%)12 (57%)
    6–10 days27 (30%)4 (19%)
    >10 days8 (9%)4 (19%)
Lesion morphology
    Vesicle15 (17%)1 (5%)
    Ulcer62 (70%)18 (86%)
    Crusting5 (6%)1 (5%)