Detection of antibodies specific for herpes simplex virus in human sera by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the detection in human sera of antibody to herpes simplex virus antigens. Development and standardization of the assay suggested that antigenic purity, temperature of reactions, concentration of enzyme-conjugated antiglobulin, and concentrations of test sera are all critical parameters of a successful ELISA procedure. When ELISA titers of 30 human sera were compared to micro-complement fixation titers of the same sera, a significant degree of correlation was observed, but quantitatively ELISA was found to be up to 200 times more sensitive. The sensitivity of the assay and its adaptability to automation should provide an additional method for study or diagnosis of infection with herpes simplex virus.