Comparison of detection of varicella-zoster virus by the Tzanck smear, direct immunofluorescence with a monoclonal antibody, and virus isolation - 06/10/17

Doi : 10.1016/S0190-9622(87)70172-8

Neil S. Sadick, M.D. ^{^{*
From the Cornell University Medical College, New York},}^{^{**
From the Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, New York Hospital, New York},}^⁎, Paul D. Swenson, Ph.D. ^{^{*
From the Cornell University Medical College, New York},}^{^{***
From the Division of Infectious Disease and Immunology, Department of Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset.},}^{^{****
Present address: Seattle-King County Department of Public Health, Laboratory Section, 1303 Public Safety Bldg., Seattle, WA 98104.}}, Roderick L. Kaufman, M.D. ^{^{*
From the Cornell University Medical College, New York},}^{^{**
From the Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, New York Hospital, New York}}, Mark H. Kaplan, M.D. ^{^{*
From the Cornell University Medical College, New York},}^{^{***
From the Division of Infectious Disease and Immunology, Department of Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset.}}
^a New York, NY, USA
^b Manhasset, NY, USA

¹Reprint requests to: Dr. Neil S. Sadick, 7 East 68th St., New York, NY 10021.

Résumé

A study comparing direct immunofluorescence assay using a new monoclonal antibody specific for a varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein complex, the Tzanck smear, and virus isolation for detection of varicella-zoster virus in 56 patients with clinically apparent herpes zoster is presented. Of 47 patients with clinical herpes zoster and with cultures negative for herpes simplex virus, 30 (64%) had positive Tzanck smears, direct immunofluorescence assay results were positive in 26 (55%), and cultures were positive in only 12 (26%). Both direct immunofluorescence assay and the Tzanck smear were found to be superior to culture technics; however, direct immunofluorescence assay was found to have greater specificity.

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