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Acute and recurrent herpes simplex in several strains of mice
Abstract:
Acute and recurrent herpes simplex was studied after infection in the ear of two outbred and five inbred strains of mice. In all strains tested there was clinical evidence of infection, and a proportion of the mice became latently infected in the cervical ganglia. Six weeks after infection, when attempts were made to induce recurrent desease by stripping the ears of the mice with cellophange tape, a proportion of animals of each strain developed recurrent disease, characterized by erythema in the skin. At monthly intervals thereafter, the ears were stripped again and, on each occasion, a proportion of the animals developed recurrent disease, with the exception of Balb/c mice. The different reaction of Balb/c and other inbred strains might prove useful in studies on the mechanism of control of recurrent herpes simplex.
Insights
This study investigated herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in mice, finding that most strains developed recurrent disease after ear infection. Balb/c mice, however, showed resistance, offering insights into HSV recurrence control.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes acute and recurrent infections.
- Latent HSV infection establishes in neuronal tissues, such as the cervical ganglia.
- Recurrent disease can be triggered by various stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of different mouse strains to acute and recurrent herpes simplex.
- To identify potential genetic factors influencing recurrent HSV disease.
- To explore the Balb/c mouse strain's unique resistance to recurrent HSV.
Main Methods:
- Infection of ear tissue in outbred and inbred mouse strains with HSV.
- Monitoring for clinical signs of acute infection.
- Induction of recurrent disease via ear stripping at intervals.
- Observation of recurrent disease incidence and characteristics.
Main Results:
- All tested mouse strains exhibited clinical signs of acute HSV infection.
- Latent infection was established in cervical ganglia across strains.
- Recurrent disease was successfully induced in most strains by ear stripping.
- Balb/c mice were notably resistant to the induction of recurrent HSV disease.
Conclusions:
- Mouse strain genetics significantly influence the susceptibility to recurrent herpes simplex.
- The Balb/c strain's resistance provides a valuable model for studying HSV recurrence mechanisms.
- Understanding strain-specific responses can aid in developing strategies to control recurrent HSV infections.