Enhancement of Vaginal Infection in Mice by Herpes Simplex Virus Type II with Progesterone

Abstract

Summary Nonpregnant, pregnant and progesterone treated mice were infected intravaginally with HSV II. Mortality rates were 10%, 88% and 88% respectively. Progesterone levels were 80–100 times greater in the treated mice and 10–70 times greater in the pregnant mice than controls. We were able to simulate the increased susceptibility of pregnant mice by administration of progesterone to nonpregnant female mice.