[Experimental model of generalized herpetic infection in newborns]

Generalized herpetic infection (GI) with a predominant involvement of the brain, eye, liver and spleen, in which cell rhexis and hyperchromatosis and large necrotic foci were observed, has been experimentally reproduced in newborn rabbits. Administration of herpes simplex virus at the dose of 5LD50 resulted in the suppression of immune reactions and animal death 4-5 days later. Dose of 2LD50 resulted in the immune response in the lymphoid organs, but the signs of the disease disappeared 5 days after the injection of the virus. The hypothesis on the existence of several clinico-morphological variants of GI is postulated.