Pathogenesis, latency and reactivation of infections by herpesvirus

Abstract

Summary: After a brief review of the pathogenesis of herpesvirus infections, the essential aspects of latency are presented: the sites, the state and control of latency. The stimuli of reactivation are reviewed and the putative mechanisms leading ot reactivation are discussed. Re-excretion, which is the direct conse­ quence of reactivation, is also detailed. Latency has a great epizootiological significance, mainly because of re-excretion. Re-excretion of virus by latently infected carriers, without any clinical sign, ensures the silent transmission of virus to susceptible in-contact animals. New prophylactic measures must con­ sider not only the prevention of the clinical effects of infection with a virulent virus, but also the prevention of re-excretion.