Use of biological characteristics to type Herpesvirus hominis types 1 and 2 in diagnostic laboratories.

Fifty clinical isolates of Herpesvirus hominis were typed by pock size on chicken embryo chorioallantoic membranes, sensitivity to heparin, and plaque formation on chicken embryo cell cultures. Of 19 isolates that were typed serologically, there was 100% concordance with respect to plaque formation. Pock size was incorrect in one instance and indeterminate in another. Heparin sensitivity was incorrect for one. Of 31 strains that were only biologically characterized, there were four for which heparin sensitivity did not agree with the other two characteristics. Of the three biological tests, the ability to form plaques in chick cell monolayer was the most reliable indicator type.