Rapid Screening Tests for Determining In Vitro Susceptibility of Herpes Simplex Virus Clinical Isolates |
| |
| Authors: | Pedro de la Iglesia, Santiago Mel n, Beatriz L pez, Mercedes Rodriguez, Maria I. Blanco, Purificaci n Mellado, Maria de O a |
| |
| Affiliation: | Pedro de la Iglesia, Santiago Melón, Beatriz López, Mercedes Rodriguez, Maria I. Blanco, Purificación Mellado, and Maria de Oña |
| |
| Abstract: | The susceptibility of human herpes simplex virus (HSV) to acyclovir (ACV) was determined with the use of a single dose of the drug (1 and 2 μg of ACV per ml for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively) in two rapid assays: a rapid cytopathic effect inhibitory assay (Rapid CIA) and a rapid dye uptake assay (Rapid DUA). These tests allow the simultaneous determination of virus titer and susceptibility to ACV at a determined viral concentration (100 50% tissue culture infective doses and 100 50% dye uptake units). These tests were compared with a conventional susceptibility assay (dye uptake assay) and showed similar results. Indeterminate results with the Rapid CIA appeared in 3 of 30 samples. With the use of both Rapid CIA and Rapid DUA, we were able to determine the susceptibility of 100% of the isolates. The rapid tests, unlike conventional assays, are able to provide susceptibility results within 3 days after the virus has been isolated from a clinical specimen and could thus play a direct role in therapeutic decisions. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
