Comparison of indirect hemagglutination and indirect immunofluorescence tests with microneutralization tests for detection of type-specific Herpesvirus hominis antibody.

Indirect hemagglutinating and immunofluorescent antibody responses to Herpesvirus hominis types 1 and 2 were compared to neutralizing antibody responses in infected humans from whom H. hominis type 1 or 2 was isolated. The indirect immunofluorescent antibody test was shown to be the most sensitive and specific for primary human infections. The sensitivity and specificity of the indirect hemagglutination and the immunofluorescent antibody tests were shown to be equal to that of the microneutralization test among patients who had primary or recurrent H. hominis type 2 infections. It is suggested that the indirect hemagglutination test is preferable for assaying large populations for previous infection with H. hominis type 2 because it is rapid, easier to perform, and more economical. The intermediate range of titer differences (deltat) between H. hominis types 1 and 2 previously reported to be due to infections with both viruses was shown to occur in all three tests among patients with primary infections with either virus.