Use of biological characteristics to type Herpesvirus hominis types 1 and 2 in diagnostic laboratories

Abstract

Fifty clinical isolates of Herpesvirus hominis were typed by pock size on chicken embryo chorioallantoic membranes, sensitivity to heparin and plaque formation on chicken embryo cell cultures. Of 19 isolates that were typed serologically, there was 100% concordance with respect to plaque formation. Pock size was incorrect in 1 instance and indeterminate in another. Heparin sensitivity was incorrect for 1. Of 31 strains that were only biologically characterized, there were 4 for which heparin sensitivity did not agree with the other 2 characteristics. Of the 3 biological tests, the ability to form plaques in chick cell monolayer was the most reliable indicator type.