Pathogenesis of latent herpes simplex virus infection of the trigeminal ganglion in guinea pigs: effects of age, passive immunization, and hydrocortisone.

Latent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of the trigeminal ganglion, after corneal inoculation of virus, was investigated in guinea pigs. The effects of several factors on the establishment of ganglionic latency were investigated. Latently infected guinea pigs were clinically normal, and virus was isolated from the trigeminal ganglia by co-cultivation. It was found that newborn guinea pigs were significantly more susceptible than adult animals to the development of latent HSV infection of the trigeminal ganglion. The susceptibility of newborn guinea pigs was very much decreased, however, if they received passive immunization with immune serum or if they were born of actively immunized mothers. On the other hand, the susceptibility of adult animals, usually somewhat resistant to the development of latent HSV ganglionic infection, was markedly increased by the parenteral administration of hydrocortisone.