Simultaneous cytological diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infection and primary lung cancer: Report of two cases

Herpes simplex is an uncommon cause of lower respiratory tract infection that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent late complications. We report two cases with simultaneous herpes simplex virus infection of the lower respiratory tract and lung carcinoma. Cytology of bronchial brushing and washing fluids and postbronchoscopic sputum established the diagnosis, which was further corroborated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:818–822. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.