title: The unexpected detection of varicella-zoster virus in genital specimens using the Lyra™ Direct HSV 1+2/VZV Assay.
abstract: The Lyra™ Direct HSV 1+2/VZV Assay is a moderately complex, multiplex PCR assay that qualitatively detects the presence of HSV 1, HSV 2, and VZV DNA in cutaneous and mucocutaneous specimens with a time-to-result of less than 60min.
  
  
  
  To report a one-year laboratory experience using Lyra assay for testing cutaneous and mucocutaneous specimens for HSV and VZV that resulted in the unexpected detection of VZV in 14 male and female genital specimens.
  
  
  
  Over a one-year period, 2113 cutaneous and mucocutaneous specimens from male and female patients were submitted for testing using the Lyra assay. An unexpected 14 genital specimens were positive for the presence VZV DNA. Eleven of the 14 specimens were available for confirmatory testing using two alternative molecular methods and Sanger sequencing.
  
  
  
  Fourteen male and female genital specimens were positive for the presence of VZV DNA. All of the 11 specimens (9 female and 2 male) that were available for confirmatory testing by the alternative molecular method and Sanger sequencing were confirmed as containing VZV DNA.
  
  
  
  Using of the Lyra assay over a one-year time period, VZV DNA was detected in 126 specimens of which 14 (11.1%) were from male and female genital sites. This rare and unexpected finding suggests that the appearance of zoster lesions in the genital area may not be as uncommon as previously thought and that this finding would have considerable impact on patient counseling and public health considerations.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory Alliance of Central New York, United States; SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States. Electronic address: paulgranatophd@lacny.com.
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Granato
authors.affiliation: Laboratory Alliance of Central New York, United States.
authors.forename: Marcia A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: DeGilio
authors.affiliation: Laboratory Alliance of Central New York, United States.
authors.forename: Elsie M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000821:virology*; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000821:virology*; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D060885:Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012867:Skin / Q000821:virology; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
keywords: HSV; Herpes simplex virus; Lyra HSV 1+2/VZV assay; VZV; VZV in genital specimens; Varicella zoster virus