Induction of generalized and lethal herpesvirus infection in the tree shrew by intrahepatic transfection of herpes simplex virus DNA.

The infectivity of herpes simplex virus (HSV) genome was investigated in vivo using the tree shrew, which is highly susceptible to HSV, as an animal model. Individual tree shrews were inoculated intrahepatically with 0.2 ml of a transfection mixture containing 25 micrograms HSV DNA, 50 micrograms salmon sperm DNA, and 250 micrograms DEAE-dextran. Seven out of nine tree shrews transfected with HSV DNA developed a generalized herpesvirus infection. The new virus progeny was found in different organs of transfected animals.