Abstract
Peroxidase-labeled antibody (pooled human immune globulin) was employed to localize herpes simplex and vaccinia viruses in corneal cells maintained in culture. With the light microscope, intranuclear and paranuclear staining were noted in cells infected with herpes simplex while intracytoplasmic staining was found in cells infected with vaccinia. Electron microscopy confirmed the differential, specific viral antigen labeling by peroxidase marker. The immunoperoxidase method, utilizing more specific antibodies in conjunction with electron microscopy, could presumably localize viral precursor antigens during different phases of infection. The relative advantages of this method in comparison to immunofluorescence and immunoferritin are discussed. Due to the specific staining achieved and its dual microscopic potential, we believe that the immunoperoxidase method may be useful as a diagnostic tool and could assist in understanding the immunopathology of corneal viral infections.