Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection and typing of herpes simplex virus.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for herpes simplex virus was tested using commercially available peroxidase-conjugated and unconjugated rabbit antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (DAKO immunoglobulins A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark). One hundred and thirty-seven clinical specimens from vesicles and superficial cutaneous lesions were tested and the results compared with virus isolation. In addition 210 herpes simplex virus isolates were typed. Forty-four specimens yielded herpes simplex virus both in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in tissue culture and 79 were negative in both tests. Fourteen were positive in isolation but negative in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seventy-three isolates were typed as herpes simplex virus type 1 and 137 as herpes simplex virus type 2. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was found to be rapid and easy to perform but less sensitive than conventional isolation in routine diagnostic work. For typing of isolates it was found to be a useful method for distinguishing herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2.