Varicella zoster virus (VZV) diagnosis

Assessment of VZV by real-time PCR amplification and detection of viral DNA from biological samples (CSF, lymphocytes and vesicle swabs) is a reliable tool for detection of VZV in patients who have developed or are at risk for developing active VZV infection PCR is used in a number of laboratories for the assessment of VZV infection. This is especially important in CSF samples where standard culture procedures are relatively insensitive.