Scientific Publications Database
Article Title: A comparison of the Quidel Solana HSV 1+2/VZV Assay, the Focus Diagnostics Simplexa HSV 1 & 2 Direct Assay and the Luminex Aries HSV 1&2 Assay for detection of herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 from swab specimensAuthors: Slinger, Robert; Amrud, Kelly; Sant, Nadia; Ramotar, Karam; Desjardins, Marc
Journal: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY Volume 113
Date of Publication:2019
Abstract:
Background: Molecular methods enable more rapid and sensitive detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) than viral culture.Objective: Three commercial molecular methods, all of which detect both HSV-1 and HSV-2, were compared to viral culture for the detection of HSV from swab specimens.Study design: Pediatric and adult patient viral swab specimens were cultured for HSV. Residual swab fluid was frozen at -80 degrees C until tested with the 3 molecular methods: the Quidel Solana HSV 1 + 2/VZV Assay, the Focus Diagnostics Simplexa HSV 1 & 2 Direct Assay and the Luminex Aries HSV 1&2 Assay. A true positive was defined as positive by culture or positive by >= 2/3 molecular methods.Results: 177 specimens were studied. The sensitivity of culture was 81.3% (61/75, 95% CI 70.7-89.4%) and specificity was 100% (102/102, 95% CI 96.4-100%). The sensitivities of both the Solana and Simplexa were 100% (75/75, 95% CI 95.2-100%) and specificities were also both 100% (102/102, 95% CI 96.4-100%). The Aries had a sensitivity of 98.7% (74/75, 95% CI 92.8-99.97%) and specificity 99.0% (101/102, 95% CI 94.7-99.98%). All three molecular methods were significantly more sensitive than culture (p <= 0.0005 for Solana and Simplexa and p <= 0.0012 for Aries).Conclusion: All the molecular methods studied provided a significantly higher sensitivity than culture. In addition, the molecular methods took 1-2 hours to perform compared to a mean of 2.1 days for culture results. Use of any of the three molecular methods could lead to improved patient care.