[The leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT) in recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Comparison of the results of treatment with BCG and Levamisole (author's transl)].

Forty six patients suffering from recurrent herpes simplex labialis (HSLR) have been treated by either BCG or Levamisole. Therapy was equally successful in both groups: 10 patients remained free of symptoms during the observation period, 11 patients improved clearly and 2 patients did not respond to the therapy. Sensitization of lymphocytes toward herpes simplex virus antigen (HVS-AG) was determined in vitro by means of the leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT); test were performed before therapy and in certain intervals after the end of it. While lymphocytes of 10 control persons could be stimulated by HSV-AG, those of patients suffering from HSLR did not react to this antigen before onset of any therapy. Clinical success of therapy correlated well with the in vitro results of the LMIT: after therapy, the lymphocytes of symptom-free and improved patients also reacted in vitro to the antigen added.