Multiplex Assays Detect HSV-1/2 And Varicella Zoster Virus
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 12 Jan 2015 |
Image: Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of the Varicella zoster virus (Photo courtesy of Dr. Erskine Palmer).
The performance of two multiplex real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to individual real-time PCR for the detection of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, and Varicella zoster virus (VZV) from clinical specimens have been compared.
Viral culture has been considered the gold standard test, although molecular methods have been shown to be more rapid and sensitive and currently, most laboratories perform real-time PCR for the detection of HSV and VZV.
Scientists at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA) tested 26,186 samples that were submitted to their laboratory for routine testing by HSV-1/2 real-time PCR analyte-specific reagents (ASR) and/or a VZV laboratory-developed test (LDT) between November 2013 and March 2014. Testing by the routine methods included nucleic acid extraction using the MagNA Pure (Roche; Basel, Switzerland) and analysis on the Roche LightCycler 2.0.
The two multiplex assays that were compared to the routine PCR were the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Silver Springs, MD, USA)-approved Lyra HSV 1+2/VZV assay (Quidel; San Diego, CA, USA) and the Simplexa HSV-1/2 and VZV combined analyte specific reagents (Focus Diagnostics; Cypress, CA, USA). Samples were also tested by combining the Focus Diagnostics ASRs for HSV 1 + 2 and VZV and testing was then performed on the Focus 3M Integrated Cycler.
The results were compared to a consensus standard, defined as the result obtained by at least two of the three molecular methods. The sensitivity of the Quidel assay ranged from 92.0% for HSV-1 to 97.7% for HSV-2, while the specificity for all targets was 100%. The Focus assay demonstrated 100% sensitivity for all targets, and the percent specificity ranged from 96.8% for HSV-1 to 100% for HSV-2 and VZV.
The authors concluded that for the detection of HSV-2 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the Focus assay showed 100% sensitivity and specificity, while the Quidel HSV-2 method exhibited a sensitivity of 87.5% (7/8) and specificity of 100% (18/18). Future studies evaluating a larger number of CSF samples are needed to better define the performance of these tests. Multiplex assays for HSV-1/2 and VZV offer a promising option for clinical laboratories seeking to reduce hands-on and turnaround times. The study was published online in the January issue of the journal Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease.
Related Links:
Mayo Clinic
Roche
Quidel
Viral culture has been considered the gold standard test, although molecular methods have been shown to be more rapid and sensitive and currently, most laboratories perform real-time PCR for the detection of HSV and VZV.
Scientists at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA) tested 26,186 samples that were submitted to their laboratory for routine testing by HSV-1/2 real-time PCR analyte-specific reagents (ASR) and/or a VZV laboratory-developed test (LDT) between November 2013 and March 2014. Testing by the routine methods included nucleic acid extraction using the MagNA Pure (Roche; Basel, Switzerland) and analysis on the Roche LightCycler 2.0.
The two multiplex assays that were compared to the routine PCR were the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Silver Springs, MD, USA)-approved Lyra HSV 1+2/VZV assay (Quidel; San Diego, CA, USA) and the Simplexa HSV-1/2 and VZV combined analyte specific reagents (Focus Diagnostics; Cypress, CA, USA). Samples were also tested by combining the Focus Diagnostics ASRs for HSV 1 + 2 and VZV and testing was then performed on the Focus 3M Integrated Cycler.
The results were compared to a consensus standard, defined as the result obtained by at least two of the three molecular methods. The sensitivity of the Quidel assay ranged from 92.0% for HSV-1 to 97.7% for HSV-2, while the specificity for all targets was 100%. The Focus assay demonstrated 100% sensitivity for all targets, and the percent specificity ranged from 96.8% for HSV-1 to 100% for HSV-2 and VZV.
The authors concluded that for the detection of HSV-2 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the Focus assay showed 100% sensitivity and specificity, while the Quidel HSV-2 method exhibited a sensitivity of 87.5% (7/8) and specificity of 100% (18/18). Future studies evaluating a larger number of CSF samples are needed to better define the performance of these tests. Multiplex assays for HSV-1/2 and VZV offer a promising option for clinical laboratories seeking to reduce hands-on and turnaround times. The study was published online in the January issue of the journal Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease.
Related Links:
Mayo Clinic
Roche
Quidel
Latest Molecular Diagnostics News
- Blood Proteins Could Warn of Cancer Seven Years before Diagnosis
- New DNA Origami Technique to Advance Disease Diagnosis
- Ultrasound-Aided Blood Testing Detects Cancer Biomarkers from Cells
- New Respiratory Syndromic Testing Panel Provides Fast and Accurate Results
- New Synthetic Biomarker Technology Differentiates Between Prior Zika and Dengue Infections
- Novel Biomarkers to Improve Diagnosis of Renal Cell Carcinoma Subtypes
- RNA-Powered Molecular Test to Help Combat Early-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer
- Advanced Blood Test to Spot Alzheimer's Before Progression to Dementia
- Multi-Omic Noninvasive Urine-Based DNA Test to Improve Bladder Cancer Detection
- First of Its Kind NGS Assay for Precise Detection of BCR::ABL1 Fusion Gene to Enable Personalized Leukemia Treatment
- Urine Test to Revolutionize Lyme Disease Testing
- Simple Blood Test Could Enable First Quantitative Assessments for Future Cerebrovascular Disease
- New Genetic Testing Procedure Combined With Ultrasound Detects High Cardiovascular Risk
- Blood Samples Enhance B-Cell Lymphoma Diagnostics and Prognosis
- Blood Test Predicts Knee Osteoarthritis Eight Years Before Signs Appears On X-Rays
- Blood Test Accurately Predicts Lung Cancer Risk and Reduces Need for Scans