Pathogenesis of Herpes simplex virus infections in guinea pigs

The pathogenesis of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 has been studied in guinea pigs after inoculation by various routes (subcutaneous and intradermal infection in footpads and vaginal infection). Clinical observations as well as virus isolation studies are reported. Herpes simplex virus type 2 infection by all three routes of inoculation led to acute primary and recurrent lesions. Virus persisted in the nervous system, particularly in sensory ganglia, and locally at the site of inoculation. Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection induced no or very mild primary symptoms. Recurrent lesions were only observed after intradermal inoculation. Invasion of the nervous system and consequent establishment of latent ganglionic infection was less efficient than after herpes simplex virus type 2 infection. Peripheral persistence was, however, equally common.