Abstract
A novel method for determining neutralizing serum antibody titers to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was developed based on reduction of infectivity in BHKICP6LacZ-5 (ELVIS™) cells; baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells that have been genetically engineered to contain the Escherichia coli LacZ gene under the control of an inducible herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) promoter. The test has a semiautomated, colorimetric readout resulting in rapid, objective readings of infectivity reduction. Extent of neutralization is calculated against a calibration curve of virus infectivity generated in each run. HSV-2 neutralizing activity can be detected with serum dilutions in excess of 1:5120.
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