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Journal of Clinical Microbiology logoLink to Journal of Clinical Microbiology
. 1991 Jul;29(7):1513–1516. doi: 10.1128/jcm.29.7.1513-1516.1991

Detection of varicella-zoster virus DNA by polymerase chain reaction in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients suffering from neurological complications associated with chicken pox or herpes zoster.

E Puchhammer-Stöckl 1, T Popow-Kraupp 1, F X Heinz 1, C W Mandl 1, C Kunz 1
PMCID: PMC270144  PMID: 1653267

Abstract

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with VZV infection associated with neurological symptoms. Positive results were obtained in three of five children with post-chicken pox cerebellitis and in seven of seven herpes zoster patients with neurological symptoms. The PCR thus provides a useful tool for the early diagnosis of VZV-associated neurological disease.

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Selected References

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