Evaluation of five cell types for the isolation of herpes simplex virus

Five cells were evaluated in a comparative analysis for sensitivity, specificity, and rapidity in detecting the presence of herpes simplex virus HSV-1 and HSV-2. Included in this study were human embryonic kidney (HEK), rabbit kidney (RK), MRC-5, mink lung (ML), and Microtus agrestis (UMMA). A total of 274 specimens from genital, throat, skin, or other sources that were submitted for HSV isolation were used in the study. The sensitivity of the different cells was assessed by the total number of positive cultures detected by all the cells under evaluation. At 48 hr, HEK and RK detected 80% of the positives, ML detected 79%, MRC-5 detected 73%, and UMMA detected 60%. All cells tested were satisfactory; however, the choice of which cell to use for isolation of HSV depends upon the needs of the specific laboratory.