Detection of latent herpes simplex virus DNA and RNA in human geniculate ganglia by the polymerase chain reaction.

By using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) we detected latent herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in human geniculate and trigeminal ganglia obtained from autopsy cases. A pair of primers which were specific for a part of the HSV-1 thymidine kinase domain were used for detection of HSV DNA. We also examined the latency-associated transcript (LAT), known as latency-specific RNA, by means of reverse transcription-PCR with a pair of LAT-specific primers. HSV-1 DNA was detected in 16 of 17 (94%) trigeminal ganglia and in 15 to 17 (88%) geniculate ganglia of adults. We also demonstrated HSV-1 RNA derived from the LAT in both types of ganglia. These findings suggest that HSV-1 latently infects the majority of geniculate and trigeminal ganglia of adults, and that PCR and reverse transcription-PCR are useful tools for analysis of HSV latency.