Immunogenicity of subviral herpes simplex virus type 1 preparation: protection of mice against intradermal challenge with type 1 and type 2 viruses.

An intradermal assay system for herpes simplex virus in the infected pinna (external ear) of mice was utilized for examining the immunogenicity of an experimental subviral herpes simplex type 1 virus vaccine. The administration of one dose of vaccine with adjuvant did not prevent the appearance of erythema; however, it markedly reduced the severity skin lesions induced by either type 1 or type 2 virus. In addition, neurological complications frequently seen in control mice were never observed in immunized animals. In subsequent experiments the virus content in the pinna tissues of immunized and control animals was determined at different intervals after infection. The results suggest that the immunization had resulted in an acceleration of the clearance of infectious virus from the tissues.