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Herpes Simplex Virus-2 Variation Contributes to Neurovirulence During Neonatal Infection
Cooper K Hayes1, Christopher K Villota2, Fiona B McEnany3
1Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|April 22, 2022
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) strains from neonates with encephalitis are more neurovirulent than those causing only skin infections. This viral variation influences disease severity and neurological outcomes in infants.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection can lead to severe encephalitis and lasting neurological damage.
- Clinical outcomes vary significantly, with some infants developing invasive neurologic disease and others only external skin infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of viral genetic variation in determining neurovirulence and disease outcomes in neonatal HSV infections.
- To differentiate the impact of viral factors from host factors on the severity of neonatal HSV encephalitis.
Main Methods:
- Clinical HSV isolates from neonates with differing neurological outcomes were analyzed.
- The neurovirulence of these isolates was assessed using in vitro human neuronal cultures.
- In vivo studies utilized mouse models of HSV encephalitis to evaluate disease progression and severity.
Main Results:
- HSV isolates from neonates with encephalitis demonstrated higher neurovirulence in both in vitro and in vivo models.
- Isolates associated with skin-limited disease showed significantly less neurovirulence compared to those causing encephalitis.
- This suggests inherent differences in viral strains correlate with clinical presentation.
Conclusions:
- Inherent characteristics of the infecting herpes simplex virus strain play a crucial role in the development of severe neonatal encephalitis.
- Understanding viral strain variation is essential for developing targeted neuroprotective strategies against neonatal HSV infections.
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