Herpetic tracheobronchitis: immunohistologic demonstration of herpes simplex virus antigen

A patient with no evidence of underlying malignancy or immunosuppression was found to have herpetic tracheobronchitis by bronchial brushing cytologic examination and bronchial biopsy. Herpes simplex type I antigens were localized in infected cells by means of the unlabeled antibody enzyme technique. Occasional cases of herpes simplex viral tracheobronchitis or pneumonitis have been reported in patients with severe burns or with malignancy. This is an unusual finding in otherwise health individuals.