Antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2: a comparative study using indirect haemagglutination in carcinoma of the cervix and in other malignant conditions.

The authors used a technique of indirect haemagglutination to compare levels of antibody to Herpesvirus simplex types 1 and 2 in groups of patients with carcinoma of the cervix, together with other malignant conditions and in comparison to controls. A significant difference in the mean titre of antibody to type 2 virus is revealed between the carcinoma group and the B controls. The significance of the antibody assays is assessed by a study of the specificity of the antibodies found and by an assay of antibody which cross reacts with Herpesvirus simplex type 1.