Reactivation of latent Herpes simplex virus after pneumococcal pneumonia in mice.

In attempts to reactivate latent herpes simplex virus, we instilled Diplococcus pneumoniae intratracheally into mice harboring latent infections in sacrosciatic spinal ganglia. All mice developed a severe pneumonia within 24 h and were given penicillin therapy. Representative mice that survived the penumonia were sacrificed at daily intervals, and appropriate tissues were examined for evidence of viral reactivation. Herpes simplex virus was reactivated in the ganglia and appeared to travel both proximally and distally in associated nerve trunks. Clinically apparent disease due to the virus was not detected in any mice.