Immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis of serological responses in patients infected with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.

Serological responses to soluble membrane and cytoplasmic antigens specified by herpes simplex type 1 (HSV1) and 2 (HSV2) were studied by immunoblotting and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the immunoblotting test, polypeptides migrating like the HSV1-specified glycoprotein C showed type-specific reactivity but could not always be detected. The immunoblotting and ELISA results were in agreement when antibody responses to HSV1- and HSV2-specified antigens were compared, and they allowed the identification of patients with HSV2 and/or HSV1 antibodies.