Recurrent herpes in the rabbit and man.

Herpesvirus was present in secretory glands and frequently in tears of rabbits with recurrent herpetic keratitis even in the absence of corneal lesions. In normal people, herpesvirus could be cultured from saliva and tears. Chronic virus multiplication in structures such as the lacrimal and salivary glands, rather than latency, may cause recurrent herpetic disease.