Pathogenicity and Immunogenicity Herpes Simplex Virus Strains Propagated in Rabbit Kidney Tissue.

Abstract

Studies are presented on the pathogenicity and immunogenicity of herpes simplex virus strains propagated in rabbit kidney monolayer culture. Marked strain differences exist with regard to cytopathogenic effect as well as virulence for chick embryos, mice and other animals. Titers of 10[degree] to 109 TCID50/ml were obtained in a synthetic medium in the absence of any serum. Tissue culture virus was pathogenic for the chick embryo via yolk sac and for the mouse following I.C., I.P., or I.M. inoculation. Hamsters, cotton rats and suckling rabbits were infected via I.C. route. Monkeys were infected by intraspinal injection of the virus producing a localized leptomeningitis and myelitis. Tissue culture virus inactivated with formalin and injected I.M. into guinea pigs and rabbits was found to produce high levels of neutralizing antibody. Tissue culture propagated herpes simplex virus is much more highly antigenic than the same virus strain grown in the chick embryo.