The antibody reacts with HSV type 2 specific antigens and with antigens common for HSV types 1 and 2. The antibody reacts with all the major glycoproteins present in the viral envelope and at least one core protein as determined by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. It is well-suited for detection of HSV in human cellular material obtained from superficial lesions or biopsies and for the early identification of HSV in infected tissue cultures