Herpes genitalis in guinea-pigs. I. Kinetic study in infection with Herpesvirus hominis type 2.

The kinetics of virus replication after vaginal infection of guinea-pigs with HVH 2/Angelotti were studied in relation to the appearance of local and general symptoms. Most virus was isolated from the genital tract 24-48 hours post infection. Virus was first isolated from the spinal cord 48-72 hours post infection. Penetration into the brain only occurred occasionally, and later. Under the experimental conditions employed, no virus was found in the blood, spleen, kidneys, adrenals or inguinal lymph nodes. The local symptoms (typical genital herpes) and the general symptoms (paralysis and death) started after maximum virus replication had been reached and seemed to be a consequence of neural, rather than of haematogenic or lymphogenic spread.