Herpes virus reactivation in a mouse model

Abstract

A mouse animal model system is described in which cutaneous herpes simplex infection in mice was reactivated in about 60% of animals after subcutaneous challenge with cyclophosphamideand codelsol and epilation of the hair over the infection site. Herpes simplex virus was isolated from the skin and spinal cord. The model will be useful in the study of the mechanisms involved in the recrudescence of herpes virus infections and may also be of value in the study of the phenomenon of latency. A reactivation model also more closely parallels recurrent herpes in man, and may be of help in the assessment of the therapeutic efficacy of anti-herpes drugs.