Reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus infection by ultraviolet light: a human model

Journal Article · Tue Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · J. Am. Acad. Dermatol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0190-9622(87)70232-1· OSTI ID:5717072

Perna, J J; Mannix, M L; Rooney, J F; Notkins, A L; Straus, S E

Infection with herpes simplex virus often results in a latent infection of local sensory ganglia and a disease characterized by periodic viral reactivation and mucocutaneous lesions. The factors that trigger reactivation in humans are still poorly defined. In our study, five patients with documented histories of recurrent herpes simplex virus infection on the buttocks or sacrum were exposed to three times their minimal erythema dose of ultraviolet light. Site-specific cutaneous herpes simplex virus infection occurred at 4.4 +/- 0.4 days after exposure to ultraviolet light in 8 of 13 attempts at reactivation. We conclude that ultraviolet light can reactivate herpes simplex virus under experimentally defined conditions. This model in humans should prove useful in evaluating the pathophysiology and prevention of viral reactivation.

• Research Organization: National Institute of Dental Research, Bethesda, MD
• OSTI ID: 5717072
• Journal Information: J. Am. Acad. Dermatol.; (United States), Vol. 17:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
VIRUSES
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
INFECTIVITY
HERPES SIMPLEX
MAN
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
DISEASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
MAMMALS
MICROORGANISMS
PARASITES
PRIMATES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
SKIN DISEASES
VERTEBRATES
VIRAL DISEASES
560130* - Radiation Effects on Microorganisms