A Serologic Study of Herpesvirus Hominis Strains by Microneutralization Tests,

Summary Twenty-four Herpes virus hominis strains, isolated from patients with differing clinical manifestations, were screened by macroneutralization tests (α procedure). The results suggested the presence of at least two serologic types. Nineteen (79%) appeared to be similar and were designated as type 1 strains. Five (21%) appeared to fall into a second group and were designated as type 2 strains. Detailed microquantal neutralization tests (β procedure) were performed with four strains and their respective antisera. Statistical analyses of the neutralizing potency (pN) and the normalized pN(NpN) values using the standard two-way analysis of variance followed by comparison of all means by Tukey’s method supported the hypothesis of two distinct serologic types. The microtechnique coupled with the quantal neutralization test exhibited a high degree of reproducibility and sensitivity. The microtest utilizes a minimum of materials, equipment and time as compared with the macroprocedures and may be performed in any virology laboratory with normal competency in tissue culture work. Calculation of pN values requires only a few mathematical steps. The recommended microtest (β procedure) provides the diagnostic virology laboratory with a statistically sound and practical procedure for the antigenic analysis of H. hominis isolates.