[Application of the polymerase chain reaction to an experimental model of infection by herpes simplex virus type 1].

Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) has been implicated as a cause of facial paralysis. We developed an experimental model in rabbits in which we injected HSV-1 into the tongue. The animals were killed after one and three weeks. The geniculate and trigeminal ganglia and medulla were extracted and the samples were processed. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nested-PCR and cultures were carried out in order to detect the viral genome in the samples. The viral genome was found in all but two rabbits. None of the animals developed clinical facial palsy. We conclude that nested PCR is more sensitive for the identification of HSV-1 in samples.