Effect of human semen on herpes-simplex virus-2.

This study was designed to evaluate the suggestion of inhibition of infectivity of HSV-2 by seminal fluid by examining relationships between HSV-2 and components of human semen. Viral infectivity was quantitated by TCID50 measurements of CPE in comparing viral inoculated aliquots of whole semen, seminal fluid, and control (EMEM) medium during incubation at 0, 5, and 24 hours. Statistical analysis of data from 15 experiments revealed inhibition by seminal fluid during 5 hours of incubation. After 24 hours viral infectivity was maintained significantly higher with whole semen than with other treatments, suggesting favorable spermatozoal interaction. Electron microscopy revealed no intimate ultrastructural relationship between the virion and the spermatozoon.