Molecular diagnostics of parapox virus infections.
BACKGROUND
The diagnosis of parapox virus infections relies primarily on a history of contact with infected animals. The clinical presentation is usually a non-specific necrotic ulcer. The histology may also be non-specific, especially with older lesions. Negative-staining electron microscopy (EM) is a fast and reliable diagnostic tool, but is not widely available. Serological tests and the time-consuming viral culture are also rarely used in Europe.


METHODS
The diagnostic procedure in two patients with ecthyma contagiosum and milker's nodule using polymerase chain reaction specific for orthopox, parapox and Orf virus is explained. Diagnostics included bacterial culture, viral culture, histology and EM. In addition to these, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in both cases.


RESULTS
The patient with ecthyma contagiosum was negative for ortho-, parapox-, and orf-virus on PCR, whereas the patient with milker's nodule had a PCR positive for parapoxvirus.


CONCLUSIONS
PCR is a simple, fast, and standardized method of diagnosis that can distinguish between the subgroups of parapoxviruses. A diagnosis can be made even in cases of ambiguous history or unspecific clinical presentation. The method is limited by the necessity to sample native material or to use neutrally buffered formalin in case of PCR from paraffin material.
Töndury
Bettina
B
Department of Dermatology, Zurich University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
Kühne
Andreas
A
Kutzner
Heinz
H
Palmedo
Gabriele
G
Lautenschlager
Stephan
S
Borelli
Siegfried
S
D000328:Adult; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004474:Ecthyma, Contagious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D009923:Orf virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018157:Parapoxvirus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011213:Poxviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology
D004279:DNA, Viral