Detection of Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA in the Oropharynx and Blood of Patients with Varicella

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA in respiratory epithelial cells and in peripheral blood leukocytes from adults with varicella. VZV DNA was detected in oropharyngeal epithelium in 620Zo of patients early in the course of varicella; the amount of VZV DNA declined with time and was detectable in only 2207o of patients for ^ days. VZV DNA was also detected in peripheral blood leukocytes in 740Zo of patients early in disease and was detected in both polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leukocytes. PCR demonstrated the presence of VZV DNA in the oropharynx and blood of most patients during varicella, in contrast to the ability to detect VZV in these tissues by viral culture.