Association of herpes simplex virus with platelets of experimentally infected mice.

In mice infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 by the intracerebral route or with HSV type 2 by the vaginal route, virus was shown to be present in greater quantities in purified platelets than in leucocytes or other blood components. Results of the studies described suggest that platelets may play a major role in the hematogenous dissemination of HSV infection.