Rapid viral diagnosis in perspective.

Papular‐purpuric “gloves and socks” syndrome

“…After this, we can detect the immunological response, with serum IgM and igG against the virus, clinically expressed by the presence of a cutaneous exanthem, an enanthem and arthralgia [25][26][27][28]. Thus, considering this data applicable to PPGSS, confirmation of Parvovirus B19 involvement must be based on direct identification of the virus ("in situ" hybridization or polymerase chain reaction) in the period which precedes the cutaneous findings or by indirect methods (titles of specific immunoglobulins) after the onset ofthe dermatosis [29,30]. However, the detection of other viruses by Feldmann et al [17] and Ferriols et al [19] in two typical clinical cases of PPGSS is the main argument against the theory of the exclusive involvement of Parvovirus B19 in this entity.…”

Respiratory diseases

“…Respiratory syncytial virus causes winter childhood bronchiolitis, and detection of antigen by either immunofluorescence or enzyme immunoassay is reliable. 4 Polyclonal antisera (Wellcome) against influenza viruses, parainfluenza and adenovirus group antigens are suitable for immunofluorescence testing. Another ingen-ious technique is fluorescent focus assay, which entails centrifugation of the respiratory specimen on a monolayer of tissue culture cells, incubation overnight, and then staining the cells with immunofluorescent antisera.…”