Abstract
We examined the effectiveness of the Tzanck preparation compared with routine Pap smears and serology complement fixation tests for herpes simplex in 30 herpetic patients. Twenty patients (66.7%) showed positive rise in serology complement fixation tests even though the clinical history and lesion of morphological findings were typical in all situations. Nineteen patients (63.4 %) of the Tzanck smears and Pap smears were positive. Multinucleated giant cells that demonstrated nuclei with homogenously stained “grey degeneration” or “ground-glass ” chromatin pattern were required for a preparation to be called positive. These preparations had a high correlation with positive rise of serology complement fixation test. The Tzanck smear takes us only two minutes to be performed.
Our study suggests that a positive Tzanck preparation is helpful, accurate, quick, easy and economical device for the early diagnosis of herpes genitalis, especially for acute inflammatory condition of the vulva, or pregnant women of near term.
