The immunocytochemical detection of herpes simplex virus in cervical smears--a valuable technique for routine use.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 is demonstrated in routine cervical smears by immunocytochemistry. Optimum antibody dilution and suitable fixation were determined and immunostaining results were found to compare favourably with those obtained by screening Papanicolaou-stained smears or by virus culture methods (virus isolation). Results obtained for immunostaining of smears from 158 patients agreed with those of virus isolation in 47 of 50 cases where virus isolation was performed. It is suggested that this immunocytochemical technique is valuable in detection of Herpes simplex virus in cervical smears, offering an inexpensive and rapid laboratory diagnosis with advantage to both patient and clinician.