Co-existence of malignant squamous cells and herpes simplex virus type 2-infected cells

A case is presented in which malignant squamous cells and herpes virus infected cells were recognized concomitantly at routine cytologic examination for detection of cervical cancer. Further examinations on admission revealed Stage Ib carcinoma of the cervix and characteristic pathologic changes of herpetic infection in the tumor cell nests. Virus was isolated from the cancerous tissues in the ectocervix following radical hysterectomy, and was identified as herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The typical HSV-2 particles were detected by electron microscopic observation on the infected FL monolayer cells with isolation. Neutralizing antibody levels against HSV-2 declined and remained low after hysterectomy. The HSV-2, isolated and identified, might be considered as "passenger" virus. The role of this isolated virus as an etiologic agent of the cervical cancer was not clear.