Table 3.

Advantages and limitations of rodent models for VZV latency compared with studies in humans

Advantages Ganglia can removed immediately after death to avoid the possibility of reactivation post mortem Virus mutants can be studied to determine the role of individual genes in latency. Viruses labeled with markers might be used to identify latently infected cells.

Limitations VZV is not a natural pathogen of rodents and viral proteins may not function the same in rodents and in humans. Viremia appears to be limited in rodents infected with VZV VZV reactivation has not occurred in rodents in vivo.