Genital Zoster Infections: An Unexpected Finding Using a Molecular Assay
Title: Genital Zoster Infections: An Unexpected Finding Using a Molecular Assay
Date: Thursday, July 27
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Presenters: Paul A. Granato, Ph.D., DABMM, FAAM
Unless otherwise noted, P.A.C.E.™ accreditation will expire six months after the live webinar.
Reasons for Testing: HSV 1+2 and VZV
Faster and More Accurate Results with Molecular Testing
In this webinar, we look at the relationship between the diagnosis of Varicella-zoster virus and Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. The review will uncover how accurate diagnosis affects treatment, patient counseling and ultimately the impact of VZV on public health.
Following this webinar, participants should be able to:
- Understand the importance of differentiating HSV from VZV, specifically in genital lesions
- Recognize the impact that a fast turnaround time for VZV can have on clinical care
- Comprehend the psychosocial impact of an incorrect diagnosis for HSV/VZV
- Learn the differences involved for treatment options, as well as positivity rates for VZV patients suspected to have HSV
HSV and VZV are common causes of cutaneous and mucocutaneous infections and typically distinguished based upon appearance and anatomic location. But atypical presentations of zoster can occur in unusual anatomical sites. Improved testing methods allow for the differentiation of HSV 1+2 and VZV from cutaneous and mucocutaneous specimens allow for correct detection and diagnosis leading to better treatment and patient counseling.
Molecular testing methods to diagnose and differentiate Herpes from Varicella-zoster can change treatment and patient counseling by providing definitive results in a timely manner to allow for more accurate treatment.
Join Dr. Paul Granato as he discusses the reasons and misconceptions around testing for HSV 1+2 in conjunction with VZV.
Presenter
Dr. Paul A. Granato
Professor Emeritus of Pathology
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Director of Microbiology
Laboratory Alliance of Central New York
Syracuse, New York
Consultant in Clinical Microbiology
Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center
Utica, New York
Dr. Paul A. Granato earned his Ph.D. in microbiology and molecular biology from Syracuse University after graduating from Le Moyne College majoring in biology and chemistry. He then trained in a two-year, post-doctoral fellowship program in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases at Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons.
Dr. Granato directed several clinical microbiology laboratories over his professional career while serving as a faculty member in the Departments of Pathology and Microbiology & Immunology at SUNY Upstate Medical University for over 35 years where he is now Professor Emeritus in Pathology. He has also served on the Editorial Board of Journal of Clinical Microbiology for nine years and has been a co-editor for Clinical Microbiology Newsletter for over 30 years.
Currently, he directs two consolidated clinical microbiology laboratories in Central New York, five laboratories scattered throughout Florida, is on the scientific advisory board of several diagnostic companies, as well as being actively involved in various clinical research studies.