Levels of T lymphocytes, but not specific antibodies, reflect clinical presentation in human herpes simplex keratitis.

Total erythrocyte Rosette-forming cells (ERFC) have been found to be decreased in 44 patients with recurrent ocular herpes but normal in 26 patients with the primary form of the disease. Active ERFC have been found to be decreased in 27 patients with herpetic keratouveitis and normal in 43 patients with superficial herpetic keratitis. Antibodies to herpes simplex virus could not be used to distinguish the various clinical presentations of the disease.