Persistent infection of BHK cells with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in the absence of specific anti-herpetic antibody.

Persistent infection of BHK-21 cells with 5 strains of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and a 1 strain of HSV type 2 is described. Acute infection only was obtained with two strains of type 1 and one strain of type 2. Persistent infection could not be established in HeLa and rabbit lung cells. Persistent infection of BHK cells proceeded in the absence of specific antibody. Persistently infected cells were more resistant to superinfection with homologous or heterologous HSV as compared to infection of normal BHK cells. No interferon activity was demonstrated in persistently infected cell cultures. The results of virus titration were in accordance with the demonstration of fluorescent antigen of HSV.