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Association of herpes simplex virus with platelets of experimentally infected mice

Archives of Virology
|January 1, 1983
PubMed

Insights

Platelets carry more herpes simplex virus (HSV) than white blood cells in infected mice. This suggests platelets are key to spreading HSV through the bloodstream.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause serious infections.
  • The mechanisms of HSV dissemination in the body are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of blood components in the hematogenous spread of HSV.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were infected with HSV type 1 intracerebrally or HSV type 2 vaginally.
  • Virus quantities in purified platelets, leucocytes, and other blood components were measured.

Main Results:

  • HSV was found in significantly greater quantities in purified platelets compared to leucocytes and other blood components.
  • This was observed in both HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection models.

Conclusions:

  • Platelets may play a significant role in the bloodstream dissemination of HSV infections.
  • Further research into platelet-mediated viral transport is warranted.

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