Immunocytochemical confirmation of oral and respiratory herpesvirus infection by the immunoperoxidase method

Recognition of diagnostic viral changes in general, and due to herpesvirus infection (HVI) in particular, from a variety of materials examined cytologically has added a new dimension to diagnostic cytology. Such recognition provides valuable information to the clinician when no infection is suspected. Previously, the diagnosis of HVI of the respiratory tract was only possible at postmortem, tissue culture, or diagnostic rise in antibody titer. This study describes our experience in the diagnosis of HVI of the respiratory tract initially suggested by sputum cytology and later confirmed by the immunoperoxidase method. The importance of sputum cytology in the diagnosis of HVI is emphasized.