Abstract
Summary
Direct and indirect immunofluorescent (FA) techniques were used to demonstrate membrane fluorescence (MF) in herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1- and type 2-infected cells. Sorption procedures of antisera with heterologous virus-infected cells, or of HSV-infected cells with heterologous sera, enabled the preparation of fluorescein-conjugated anti-HSV sera specific for each of the two HSV types, as well as of HSV-infected cells containing type-specific membrane antigens. Using the indirect FA technique, it has been possible to demonstrate HSV antibodies in the IgG, IgA, or IgM serum fractions, and to detect HSV IgA antibodies in the genital secretions of women with recent HSV genital infections.
The ability to prepare fluorescein-conjugated sera specific for type 1 and type 2 HSV has permitted more specific typing of HSV isolates or clinical specimens from patients with HSV infections. Similarly, the preparation of HSV-infected cells with type-specific membrane antigens permits more finite serological typing of type 1 and type 2 antibodies in human sera or secretions. In addition, the results obtained provide further support for the working formula for the antigens of HSV: type 1 HSV = AC, type 2 HSV = BC, where A, B, or C may comprise more than one antigen.
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