Localization of herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus DNA in human ganglia

• Published in: Annals of neurology Vol. 31; no. 4; p. 444
• Main Authors: Mahalingam, R, Wellish, M C, Dueland, A N, Cohrs, R J, Gilden, D H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.04.1992
• Subjects: Base Sequence; DNA, Viral - analysis; Ganglia - microbiology; Herpesvirus 3, Human - genetics; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular Sequence Data; Oligonucleotide Probes - genetics; Simplexvirus - genetics; Thorax - innervation; Trigeminal Ganglion - microbiology
• ISSN: 0364-5134
• DOI: 10.1002/ana.410310417

Human dorsal root ganglia from 14 randomly autopsied adults and 1 infant (all seropositive for both herpes simplex virus [HSV] and varicella zoster virus [VZV]) were examined for latent HSV-1 and VZV DNA by polymerase chain reaction. Thoracic ganglionic DNA from all subjects and trigeminal ganglionic DNA from 11 adults were analyzed. HSV-1 DNA was detected in trigeminal ganglia from 8 of 11 (73%) adults and in thoracic ganglia from 2 of 14 (14%) adults. VZV DNA was detected in trigeminal ganglia from 10 of 11 (91%) adults and in thoracic ganglia from 12 of 14 (86%) adults. None of the DNA samples were positive with primers specific for HSV-2. These findings indicate the presence of latent HSV-1 and VZV DNA in trigeminal ganglia and latent VZV DNA in thoracic ganglia of most seropositive adults. Furthermore, although HSV-1 latency most commonly develops in trigeminal ganglia, we also show for the first time the presence of HSV-1 latency in thoracic ganglia. Finally, both viruses can become latent in the same trigeminal ganglion.