Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of herpes simplex virus antigen

Abstract

ELISA kit for herpes simplex virus was evaluated. In phase 1 experiments, 263 clinical specimens from genital lesions were extracted into serum-free medium and then tested by ELISA for herpes simplex virus antigen. The results were compared with those obtained by conventional viral culture. Of 83 specimens, 65 were positive by ELISA (sensitivity, 78.3%). In phase 2 experiments, 249 clinical specimens were tested for herpes simplex virus antigen in direct specimen and in cell cultures (MRC-5 [human fetal lung] and rabbit kidney) incubated for 2, 4 and 7 days. Of 63 specimens, 40 were positive by ELISA in the direct specimen (sensitivity, 63.5%); by 7 days incubation, 100% of the cultures positive by viral cell culture were also positive by ELISA. The ELISA was producible; when the direct detection and amplification culture were used, the sensitivity of ELISA paralleled the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections by viral cytopathic effect.