Detection of human herpesvirus 6 DNA in serum by a microplate PCR-hybridization assay.
PCR was performed on DNA extracts derived from clinical serum samples submitted for human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) serological examination. To detect amplified HHV-6 products, a hybridization-based microtiter plate assay (PCR ELISA; Boehringer Mannheim) was used. The assay system was found to be rapid, specific, and sensitive. Approximately three copies of a plasmid-based HHV-6 sequence could be detected, and no cross amplification was observed with HHV-7 genomic DNA. There was no correlation found between HHV-6 DNA detection and serological status in clinical serum samples from individuals more than 2 years old. On the other hand, in serum samples from infants less than 2 years old, a high rate of detection of HHV-6 DNA was observed in those who lacked immunoglobulin G and M antibodies to HHV-6 (55%). In this regard, PCR of serum DNA extracts may be used as a sensitive indicator of active HHV-6 infection in infants prior to their seroconversion.
Osiowy
C
C
Surveillance, Influenza and Viral Exanthemata, Bureau of Microbiology, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. carla_osiowy@inet.hwc.ca
Prud'homme
I
I
Monette
M
M
Zou
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral