RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Comparison of cell culture with an amplified enzyme immunoassay for diagnosing genital herpes simplex infection.
JF Journal of Clinical Pathology
JO J Clin Pathol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists
SP 778
OP 780
DO 10.1136/jcp.44.9.778
VO 44
IS 9
A1 Kudesia, G
A1 Van Hegan, A
A1 Wake, S
A1 Van Hegan, R J
A1 Kinghorn, G R
YR 1991
UL http://jcp.bmj.com/content/44/9/778.abstract
AB An amplified enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for herpes simplex virus (Novo Nordisk) was compared with cell culture in 853 genital specimens from a genito-urinary medicine clinic. The sensitivity of the EIA was 86% and its specificity 99.6%. The sensitivity increased to 94% for lesion swabs but decreased to 68% for cervical swabs. Sensitivity for urethral and vulval swabs was 83% and 82%, respectively. It is concluded that the EIA is specific and quick and easy to perform. It will be suitable for testing for genital herpes simplex infections in laboratories without access to local cell culture facilities.