Latent infection of sensory ganglia with herpes simplex virus: efficacy of immunization.

Mice were used to test the efficacy of active immunization in preventing latent infection of local sensory ganglia that follows inoculation of superficial epithelial surfaces with herpes simplex virus. Substantial but not complete protection was observed in animals immunized and challenged with herpes simplex virus type 1, but no protection was noted in animals immunized and challenged with herpes simplex virus type 2. Latent ganglionic infection can develop in immunized animals despite the presence of high titers of neutralizing antibody.