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Experimental herpes simplex virus carditis in mice
Abstract:
Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 induced acute and chronic cardiac damage in suckling and weaning mice after intranasal inoculation. Signs of virus replication were detected by light, immunofluorescent, and electron microscopy techniques. Virtually all of the cardiac tissues appeared to be susceptible to herpes simplex virus. The myocardium, however, was most regularly affected. The viral lesions were discrete during the acute phase of infection. The cardiac damage, however, was more extensive in some of the chronically infected mice. Morphologically, these lesions either resembled the acute ones or were associated with inflammatory granulomatous and sclerotic changes.
Insights
Herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can cause acute and chronic heart damage in young mice. The myocardium is particularly susceptible, showing lesions that progress over time.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common human pathogen.
- HSV infections can manifest in various organs, but cardiac involvement is less understood.
- Understanding HSV's impact on cardiac tissue is crucial for diagnosing and managing potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) on cardiac tissue in a murine model.
- To characterize the acute and chronic cardiac damage induced by HSV infection.
- To identify the specific cardiac tissues most susceptible to HSV replication and damage.
Main Methods:
- Intranasal inoculation of suckling and weaning mice with HSV-1 and HSV-2.
- Detection of virus replication using light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy.
- Morphological examination of cardiac tissues to assess viral lesions and inflammatory changes.
Main Results:
- HSV-1 and HSV-2 successfully infected and replicated within cardiac tissues of mice.
- The myocardium was the most frequently affected cardiac tissue.
- Acute viral lesions were observed, with some chronically infected mice exhibiting more extensive damage, including granulomatous and sclerotic changes.
Conclusions:
- Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 are capable of inducing significant acute and chronic cardiac damage in a murine model.
- The myocardium is a primary target for HSV cardiac pathology.
- HSV-induced cardiac lesions can range from discrete viral inclusions to extensive inflammatory and fibrotic changes.