Athmanathan, Sreedharan ; Bandlapally, Sesha Reddy ; Rao, Gullapalli N. (2002) Comparison of the sensitivity of a 24 h-shell vial assay, and conventional tube culture, in the isolation of Herpes simplex virus - 1 from corneal scrapings BMC Clinical Pathology, 2 (1). pp. 1-5. ISSN 1472-6890
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Official URL: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6890/2/1/abstrac...
Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-6890-2-1
Abstract
Background: Herpes simplex keratitis is a sight threatening ocular infection. A rapid and specific diagnosis is essential for the institution of specific antiviral therapy and to avoid complications that can arise from misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Though a variety of techniques are available, isolation of Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in culture provides the most reliable and specific method, and is considered as the gold standard in laboratory diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis. We report a comparative study of the sensitivity of a 24 h-shell vial assay and conventional tube culture in the isolation of HSV-1 from corneal scrapings. Methods: A total of 74 corneal scrapings obtained from 74 patients with a clinical suspicion of herpes simplex keratitis submitted for the isolation of HSV-1, were simultaneously inoculated into shell vial and tube cultures employing the vero cell line. Shell vial and tube cultures were terminated at 24 h and fifth day respectively. Isolation of HSV-1 was confirmed employing an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Results: HSV-1 was isolated from 24/74 (32.4%) specimens employing both the methods. Sensitivity of both the techniques were found to be similar (20/24, 83.3%) (P = 1.0). Conclusion: A 24 h-shell vial assay is a rapid alternative technique in comparison to the time consuming conventional tube cultures for the isolation of HSV-1, especially from corneal scrapings for the laboratory diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis.
Item Type: | Article |
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Source: | Copyright of this article belongs to BioMed Central. |
ID Code: | 24998 |
Deposited On: | 01 Dec 2010 12:19 |
Last Modified: | 17 May 2016 08:33 |
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