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CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PATHOLOGY OF EXPERIMENTAL VIRUS ENCEPHALITIS : II. HERPETIC STRAINS OF ENCEPHALITOGENIC VIRUS
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) strains can cause encephalitis in rabbits, challenging the idea of distinct encephalitis and herpes viruses. This suggests a spectrum of viral neurotropism rather than separate etiological agents.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Previously, two distinct viruses were thought to cause epidemic encephalitis and febrile herpes in humans.
- A newer concept proposed a group of "herpetico-encephalitic" viruses with strains targeting either the central nervous system or skin/membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the encephalitogenic potential of a specific herpes virus (H. F. virus) in rabbits.
- To challenge existing classifications of herpes and encephalitis viruses based on their neurotropic and dermatotropic properties.
Main Methods:
- Intracranial, corneal, skin, nasal, blood, and testicular inoculation of rabbits with the H. F. virus.
- Observation of induced encephalitis symptoms and brain lesions, including intracellular inclusion bodies.
- Assessment of viral characteristics: glycerol resistance, filterability, and immunological behavior.
Main Results:
- The H. F. virus, a febrile herpes strain, demonstrated high encephalitogenic power in rabbits, causing encephalitis regardless of inoculation route.
- Induced encephalitis and lesions were indistinguishable from those caused by known encephalitis viruses.
- The H. F. virus exhibited properties (glycerol resistance, filterability, immunological behavior) consistent with both herpes and encephalitis viruses.
Conclusions:
- Distinctions between encephalitogenic (encephalitis virus) and ectotropic (herpes virus) properties are artificial.
- A spectrum exists, with stronger herpes simplex virus (HSV) strains being both neurotropic and dermatotropic, while weaker strains are less invasive.
- Epidemic encephalitis may be an accidental association with the febrile herpes virus group, not a distinct etiological entity.
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