The following laboratory tests are used to diagnose genital herpes :
(1) Virus culture
Take samples from the bottom of the blisters in the lesion area of the patient for tissue virus culture, and the positive rate can reach 60% to 90%. Virus culture is currently the most sensitive and specific inspection method. Inoculation method: When taking samples, disinfect the blisters with acetone (do not use alcohol), then use a dry fine needle to absorb the blister fluid and place it in a sterilized test tube, and immediately culture and inoculate. Characteristic cell pathogenic effects can be seen after 48 to 72 hours of culture. This method has high sensitivity and strong specificity. If the blister fluid is inoculated into the cornea of a rabbit, it can cause dendritic keratitis reaction.
(2) Cytological examination
After the patient's specimen is processed by a special staining method, multinucleated giant cells and inclusion bodies are found in the smear, and its sensitivity is only 60% of that of viral culture. Cytology cannot distinguish between herpes simplex virus infection and varicella-zoster virus infection.
(3) Viral antigen detection
This method has high sensitivity and specificity for early damage. Commonly used methods include enzyme immunoassay (EIA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), immunofluorescence method and polymerase chain reaction.
