FIG 1.

VZV DNA burden in human thoracic sympathetic ganglia (TSG). A total of 117 TSG from 15 subjects were obtained. DNA was extracted from each ganglion and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed using VZV-specific primers and probe to determine viral DNA copy numbers per 100 ng of DNA. Each point represents one ganglion. Ganglia that did not contain VZV DNA are not shown. DNA copy numbers were determined using a standard curve for known viral DNA concentrations. Based on the standard curve, some samples had copy numbers of <100 (detectable but not quantifiable). VZV DNA was found in all 15 subjects and in 76 (65%) of the 117 ganglia.