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Acute and recurrent infection with herpes simplex virus in the mouse: a model for studying latency and recurrent
Abstract:
Nineteen recent isolated and three laboratory strains of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 were tested for their ability to produce clinical signs in mice following intradermal inoculation in the ear. All viruses produced erythema at the inoculation site; this was the most sensitive clinical sign of infection. Virus multiplication in the ear tissue was similar for both types 1 and 2 up to the fifth day after inoculation but type 2 viruses persisted for longer. Latent infection was demonstrated in cervical dorsal root ganglia. Type 1 viruses required a much higher dose than type 2 to produce neurological signs and death after intradermal inoculation but the difference was less after intracerebral inoculation. Erythema of the inoculated ear recurred sporadically during several months observation in about half the mice that survived intradermal infection with a selected type 1 isolate. The presence of virus in the ear tissue during such recurrences was confirmed by electron microscopy and isolation of infectious virus. The system of ear infection in the mouse is presented as a new model for studying neurovirulence, and latent and recurrent infection with herpes simplex virus.
Insights
Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 cause ear infections in mice, with type 2 persisting longer. This study introduces a new mouse model for studying herpes simplex virus neurovirulence and latency.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common human pathogen.
- HSV infections can lead to various clinical manifestations, including neurological complications.
- Understanding HSV pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical signs and viral dynamics of HSV types 1 and 2 in a mouse model.
- To investigate the potential for latent and recurrent infections.
- To establish a novel mouse model for studying HSV neurovirulence and latency.
Main Methods:
- Intradermal inoculation of HSV types 1 and 2 into mouse ears.
- Monitoring of clinical signs, including erythema and neurological symptoms.
- Assessment of virus multiplication in ear tissue and dorsal root ganglia.
- Confirmation of recurrent infections using electron microscopy and virus isolation.
Main Results:
- Erythema was the most sensitive clinical sign of HSV infection.
- HSV type 2 persisted longer in ear tissue than HSV type 1.
- Latent infection was established in cervical dorsal root ganglia.
- HSV type 1 required a higher dose than type 2 for neurovirulence.
- Recurrent ear erythema occurred in approximately half of surviving mice, with confirmed viral presence.
Conclusions:
- The mouse ear infection model effectively mimics HSV pathogenesis, including latency and recurrence.
- HSV type 2 exhibits greater persistence than type 1 in this model.
- The model provides a valuable tool for studying HSV neurovirulence and developing therapeutic strategies.