Abstract
Introduction: :
In man, latent herpes simplex virus–1 has been detected in ciliary ganglia. Infection of bulbar conjunctiva and cornea with feline herpesvirus–1 (FHV–1) would allow FHV–1 access to the ciliary ganglia.
Purpose: :
Determine if active FHV–1 can be isolated from the ciliary ganglia of experimentally infected cats.
Methods: :
Twelve, juvenile, specific pathogen free (SPF) cats were inoculated with 1x105 TCID50 of the C27 strain of FHV–1 via the ocular and nasal routes. Three, juvenile, SPF cats served as controls. Four infected and 1 control cat were euthanized on day 6 (all animals demonstrating clinical signs), 10 (peak of ocular and respiratory signs), and 30 (virus latent with resolution of clinical signs). The right ciliary ganglia were harvested, placed in 800µl Bovarnick's solution, and homogenized. Cultures were performed in duplicate. A 100µl aliquot of filtered tissue extract was inoculated onto monolayers of Crandall Reese feline kidney cells. The cultures were examined daily for cytopathologic effects. Viral identification was performed by direct fluorescent antibody testing.
Results: :
On day 6, 2/4 infected cats and 0/1 control had detectable FHV–1 using virus isolation (VI). On day 10, 2/4 infected cats and 0/1 control had detectable FHV–1. On day 30, 0/4 infected cats and 0/1 control had detectable FHV–1.
Conclusions: :
During the acute phase of FHV–1 infection, 50% of experimentally infected cats have active FHV–1 present within the ciliary ganglia. The presence of FHV–1 within the ciliary ganglia could allow the virus access to the anterior chamber through the postganglionic parasympathetic nerves.
Keywords: microbial pathogenesis: experimental studies • cornea: clinical science