Herpes simplex virus genital infection of the female guinea pig as a model for the evaluation of an experimental vaccine.

Substantial protection against herpes simplex type 2 (HSV 2) infection of the female guinea pig genital tract was provided by immunization with an experimental HSV 2 vaccine prepared from the plasma membranes of infected MRC-5 cells. Protection was evaluated in terms of the modification of histopathological lesions and clinical signs and in changes in viral replication and serological responses in vaccinated and control animals.