A simple method for typing clinical isolates of herpesvirus simplex: replication in the presence of 2H-1,3-oxazine-2,6 (3H)-dione (Oxauracil).

A rapid simple method for the typing of wild HSV isolates based on selective inhibition of HSV-2 replication by the pyrimidine analogue oxauracil (2H-1,3-oxazine-2,6(3H)-dione) has been developed. Chi-square analysis of the results of typing of 30 wild strains by serum neutralization tests, immunofluorescence, and oxauracil-inhibition indicates no significant differences in assignment of types to the isolates. The oxauracil-inhibition test obviates confusion of typing resulting from use of immune sera containing cross-reactive antibodies. We conclude oxauracil typing is a simple, rapid, and precise test which can be performed in any laboratory capable of isolating HSV.