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Latent HSV-I infection in rat vestibular ganglia
H Shimogori1, T Sekitani, Y Koyanagi
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.
Abstract:
The vestibular ganglia of rats having no clinical symptoms after inoculation of HSV-I were examined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in order to prove latent HSV-I infection. The rats were divided into two groups: one inoculated with HSV-I into the middle ear cavity (m.i. group), and the other into the peritoneal space (i.p. group). In the m.i. group, 67% of the vestibular ganglia on the inoculated side and 0% on the opposite side were positive. In the i.p. group, 60% of the vestibular ganglia on both sides were positive. These data indicate that HSV-I can establish latent infection in the vestibular ganglia. Furthermore, we assumed that reactivation of HSV-I genomes in the vestibular ganglia might lead to disorders of the vestibular system.
Insights
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-I) can establish latent infections in rat vestibular ganglia, even without symptoms. This suggests a potential link between latent HSV-I and vestibular system disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-I) is a common human pathogen.
- Latent viral infections can persist asymptomatically in host tissues.
- The vestibular system, responsible for balance, can be affected by various infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for latent Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-I) infection in rat vestibular ganglia.
- To determine if HSV-I can establish latency in vestibular ganglia following different inoculation routes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect latent HSV-I DNA.
- Inoculated rats with HSV-I into the middle ear cavity (m.i.) or peritoneal space (i.p.).
- Examined vestibular ganglia from both inoculated and contralateral sides.
Main Results:
- In the m.i. group, 67% of vestibular ganglia on the inoculated side tested positive for HSV-I.
- No HSV-I was detected in the contralateral vestibular ganglia of the m.i. group.
- In the i.p. group, 60% of vestibular ganglia on both sides were positive for HSV-I.
Conclusions:
- HSV-I can establish latent infections within the vestibular ganglia of rats.
- The route of inoculation influences the distribution of latent HSV-I in vestibular ganglia.
- Reactivation of latent HSV-I in vestibular ganglia may contribute to vestibular system disorders.