Editorial Notes Rapid Diagnosis of Viral Infections ALTHOUGH MANY VIRUSES such as herpes simplex, in-

fluenza, and most of the enteroviruses can be identified in cell cultures within 24 to 72 h after inoculation, more rapid diagnostic methods are gaining practical accept-ance in virology laboratories. In this context, "rapid" connotes that the antigen of the causal virus should be identified in secretions, exudates and body fluids, biopsy specimens, or skin scrapings within 3 to 4 h after collec-tion. A recently published WHO memorandum (1) pro-vides valuable descriptions, guidelines, and recommenda-tions for the use of the immunofluorescence and immuno-peroxidase tests. Other rapid tests are also available an