Molecular biology in viral diagnosis: restriction enzyme analysis of viruses from recurrent genital herpes infections

Abstract

Recurrent genital herpes simplex infections are important causes of sexually transmitted disease (STD). Sub-typing of herpes simplex viruses into type 1 and type 2 has long been possible but restriction enzyme analysis of the viral genome now provides a more versatile tool in the diagnosis and investigation of these virus infections. Isolates were obtained from the genital tract and the electrophoretic profiles of restriction enzyme digests were used for typing and for investigating strain epidemiological patterns in sexual partners. Analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of repeated isolates from discrete sites in individuals may be important in the study of latent infections.