Analysis of Herpes Simplex Virus in Suspected Encephalitis, Keratitis and Dermal Infections Using Real- Time PCR

Herpes viruses can cause diseases in the clinical range. The virus can cause infection in various body parts، especially eyes and nervous system. The aim of this study was at evaluating the Real-Time TaqMan probe PCR in diagnosing and monitoring of the patients with suspected HSV infections.

More than a thousand patients with suspected HSV infections were collected. The samples were analyzed by Real-time PCR assays. DNA was extracted according to manufacturer’s instruction (Invisorb Spin Virus DNA mini Kit، Germany). The Real-Time PCR assay was performed with the primer Design TM genesis for herpes simplex virus (Primer Design، UK).

Total of 44 (5. 6%)، 118 (26. 8%)، 23 (11. 7%)، 13 (5. 6 %) and 65 (45. 5%) patients out of herpes simplex encephalitis suspected group، HSK suspected، patients with suspected systemic HSV infection، HSV skin suspected ones and oropharyngeal HSV infection suspected patients respectively were found to be positive by Real-time PCR assays..

As indicated by the results، Real-time PCR assay، with high sensitivity and specificity، can help in early diagnosis. The viral load obtained by this method، can be the best marker in a person for following the therapeutic effect.