Herpes simplex virus infection in guinea pigs: an animal model for studying latent and recurrent herpes simplex virus infection.

Footpad infection of guinea pigs with herpes simplex virus led to an acute local inflammatory reaction, followed by a persistent latent infection of lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia. Spontaneous reactivation of the latent virus occurred, leading to recurrent lesions at the site of the initial infection. Clinical observations and virological studies during the acute latent and recurrent infection are reported.