Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (1440 page)

   
Negative result:
Negative cell cultures decrease the likelihood of VZV infection, but cannot absolutely rule out VZV infection, especially for CSF and mucosal surface samples.

   Limitations

   There may be poor sensitivity for certain specimen types.

   
Turnaround time
for VZV culture may be prolonged, limiting their utility for acute management of critically ill patients.

   
Common pitfall:
Collection of specimens from dried, overcrusted lesions.

VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) DIRECT DETECTION (DFA)

See Herpes Virus (HSV or VZV) Direct Detection (DFA)

VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) SEROLOGY SCREEN (IgG AND IgM)

   Definition

   VZV infection causes two clinically distinct forms of disease. Primary infection with VZV results in varicella (chickenpox), characterized by vesicular lesions in different stages of development on the face, trunk, and extremities. Herpes zoster, also known as “shingles,” results from reactivation of endogenous latent VZV infection within the sensory ganglia. This clinical form of the disease is characterized by a painful, unilateral vesicular eruption, which usually occurs in a restricted dermatomal distribution. The diagnosis of these two diseases is usually made clinically. However, the use of diagnostic assays may be important in specific situations.

   Other names include chickenpox serology testing.

   Use

   To assist in the diagnosis of acute-phase infection with varicella virus

   To assist in identifying nonimmune individuals

   Interpretation

   
Normal range:
Negative.