Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the preparation of herpesvirus, such as herpes simplex virus type 2 for vaccine use. Such viruses can be grown on serum free or serum containing media and can be prepared from the virus containing culture supernatant or virus containing cells. The virus is prepared for subsequent pharmaceutical formulation by methods which may include treatment with solid phase affinity reagents containing sulfate- or sulfonate-comprising binding groups. Such sulfated polysaccharide groups as heparin or dextran sulfate may be used, and eluted with salt solutions. The process can be combined with other culture, harvesting and formulation steps.

Abstract: The present method relates to the serological detection of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection by means of reaction of a patient serum with a peptide specific to HSV-2 having the sequence Ala-Arg-Ser-Pro-Glu -Arg-Gln-Glu-Pro-Arg-Glu-Pro-Glu. The peptide may be further modified by the addition of a Cys or a biotin molecule. The peptide may be used in any of a number of assays including enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a radioimmunoassay (RIA), and other forms of immunoassay such as enzyme immunoblotting assay on a suitable adsorbent paper or an agglutination assay using the peptide composition as the antigen.