Multiplex-PCR and oligonucleotide microarray for detection of eight different herpesviruses from clinical specimens

BackgroundHuman herpesviruses cause clinically important diseases, e.g. infections of the central nervous system. New diagnostic tools are required for rapid and reliable detection of these viruses.ObjectivesA microarray-based method was designed for detection of eight human herpesviruses in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), whole blood, plasma, serum and proficiency-testing specimens.Study designHerpes simplex type 1 and 2, varicella-zoster, cytomegalo-, Epstein-Barr and human herpes viruses 6A, 6B and 7 were amplified from clinical specimens by two multiplex-PCRs and transcribed to single-stranded RNAs which were hybridized to oligonucleotides on microarray. The results were compared to those from conventional PCR. In total, 227 specimens were tested including 23 CSF, 10 whole blood, 73 plasma, 10 proficiency-testing samples and 111 negative control samples.ResultsConcordant results were obtained in 214/227 (94%). Microarray detected 10 possible double and one triple infection. Negative control samples (70 serum, 30 CSF and 11 proficiency-testing samples) were all negative.ConclusionsMicroarray is suitable for detection of multiple herpesviruses in clinical samples.