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. 1992 Sep;30(9):2487–2491. doi: 10.1128/jcm.30.9.2487-2491.1992

Immunoelectron microscopy for rapid diagnosis of varicella-zoster virus in a complicated case of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection.

E Folkers 1, J Vreeswijk 1, F Wagenaar 1, J G Kapsenberg 1, H J Hulsebosch 1, A P Oranje 1
PMCID: PMC265531  PMID: 1328289

Abstract

Rapid techniques for the detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are needed for optimal therapeutic management. VZV infection poses a serious threat, especially to seriously ill patients, for instance, immunocompromised patients. We report a case of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1-positive leukemia complicated by atypical multidermatomal herpes zoster. Viral culture and standard serological tests failed to prove VZV infection. Herpesvirus infection was confirmed by cytodiagnosis (Tzanck test). The final diagnosis of VZV was made by immunoelectron microscopy (IEM), which can differentiate between HSV and VZV. Immunoglobulin M antibodies in serum directed against VZV were detected by IEM but not by immunofluorescence. Because IEM was able to identify virus and analyze sera in only 2 h, it is considered a valuable additional tool for the rapid diagnosis of HSV and VZV infections.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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