The Virology articles published by Webmedcentral http://www.webmedcentral.com 2013-05-22T07:28:07+01:00 http://www.webmedcentral.com/ http://www.webmedcentral.com/images/Header_Logo.gif text/html 2010-11-22T16:17:01+01:00 http://www.webmedcentral.com/ Dr. Vinod N Singh http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/1197 Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) are two hepatotrophic blood borne viruses (BBVs), that are important causes of liver related mortality and morbidity. They have similar modes of transmission, by parenteral, sexual and perinatal modes. HBV and HCV account for 400 million and 170 million chronic infections respectively [1,2]. As the clinical picture for both infections are varied and chronic asymptomatic carriage can occur, the initial diagnosis of infection is generally made by the detection of a serological marker, the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg)  for Hepatitis B and anti-HCV antibodies for Hepatitis C viruses in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Recent laboratory data was analyzed to obtain seropositivity rates for hepatitis B and C virus infections in admitted patients at our tertiary care centre and is presented here. text/html 2012-07-14T15:46:50+01:00 http://www.webmedcentral.com/ Dr. Lily Hsiao http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3572 In addition to bacterial and fungal infection, Darier’s disease may be accompanied by recurrent localized or widespread herpes simplex virus infection. The present paper presents 2 cases with >20-year histories of Darier’s disease in whom specific findings of herpes simplex virus infection were observed by quick Tzanck test with modified preservative Giemsa solution. The test was also performed to follow cytological findings after episodes of herpes simplex virus infection, revealing severe, persistent infection over erosive plaques and in keratotic papules. Continuous therapy with oral acyclovir at 400 mg twice daily was prescribed after a routine 5-day course of acyclovir or valacyclovir. After 3 months of continuous oral acyclovir therapy, itching and pain decreased and normal skin appeared without adverse effects. The quick Tzanck test was thus found to be helpful in detecting the existence of virus-infected cells and monitoring the treatment of Darier’s disease complicated by herpes simplex virus infection. text/html 2012-12-11T13:42:20+01:00 http://www.webmedcentral.com/ Dr. Lily Hsiao http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3883 Background: Darier’s disease is an autosomal dominant transmitted disease with variable penetrance. In addition to bacterial and fungal infection, Darier’s disease may be accompanied by recurrent localized or widespread herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. However, early recognition may be hindered by its complex clinical picture. A delayed diagnosis may result in visceral dissemination and death. A readily available, quick, noninvasive, bedside cytologic diagnostic technique is required for early diagnosis.Methods: A one-step, two-minute cytologic microscopic quick Tzanck test was used to find and follow the degree of the HSV infection in 2 sisters with Darier’s disease. Because it is quick and noninvasive, a bedside follow-up to determine the necessity of continuing antiviral therapy is possible.Results: The cytopathic changes including balloon cells, giant cells, and inclusion bodies revealed a severe and persistent HSV infection in erosive plaques and keratotic papules. Continuous therapy with oral acyclovir (400 mg bid) was prescribed after a routine 5-day course of acyclovir or valacyclovir. Obvious mitigation of itching and pain occurred 3 months after this therapy. Normal skin appeared, and gradual but satisfactory clinical and cytologic improvement occurred. The antiviral therapy continued for more than 4 years without adverse effects.Conclusions: The quick Tzanck test was helpful for detecting virus-infected cells and monitoring the treatment of Darier’s disease complicated by HSV infection. Although the quick Tzanck test cannot diagnose type-1 or -2 HSV antigens as specifically as can an immunohistochemical Tzanck test, it is a handy screening tool. Continuous oral antiviral therapy proved safe and effective.