Monoclonal antibodies suitable for type-specific identification of herpes simplex viruses by a rapid culture assay

Eight monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to herpes simplex viruses I and/or 2 (HS V-1,HSV-2) were tested for their reactivity with 190 previously typed HSV-p ositive clinical specimens in order to determine their suitability for use as type-specific reagents. Using a rapid culture assay we found that two MA bs (T51 and T96) identified HSV-1 in all the 94 specimens, previously found HSV-I-positive, bur did not react with the 96 specimens, previously found HSV-2-positive. In contrast, one MAb (303) confirmed the presence of HSV-2 in all the specimens, previously found HSV-2-positive, but did not react wi th any of the 94 specimens, previously found HSV-1-positive. These three ty pe-specific MAbs allow for a rapid type-specific identification of HSV in i nfected cultures. One type-common MAb (T111) reacted with all HSV-positive cultures. This MAb carl be used as an excellent reagent for detection of HS V infection.