Evaluation of herpes simplex virus susceptibility to acyclovir using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

An in situ ELISA was performed directly on the adherent cell monolayer in order to determine the susceptibility of herpes simplex virus isolates to acyclovir. Various fixation procedures and antisera conjugated to different enzymes were tested. The use of glutaraldehyde for fixation and beta-galactosidase as a labelling enzyme was shown to give the best results. As with other currently used assays, 50% inhibitory doses were subject to an inoculum effect. The data obtained indicate that this assay is suitable for routine determination of herpes simplex virus susceptibility to antiviral drugs.