Differentiation Between Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 Strains by Immunoelectroosmophoresis

A method has been elaborated to differentiate between herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 viruses by immunoelectroosmophoresis. With rabbit immune sera cross-absorbed with heterologous virus antigen, a distinct difference was shown between the two virus types. Herpes simplex type 1 virus tested against cross-absorbed type 1 antiserum gave two precipitin lines. Herpes simplex type 2 virus gave one precipitin line when tested against cross-absorbed homologous serum. When the viral antigens were tested against cross-absorbed heterologous immune sera, no or only very weak precipitin reactions were observed. The test is easy and rapid, requires relatively small quantities of antigen and antibody, and is suitable for typing of herpes simplex virus in diagnostic routine work.