Evidence of feline herpesvirus-1 DNA in the vestibular ganglion of domestic cats

In humans, herpes simplex virus type-1 has recently been detected in the vestibular ganglion (VG) and labyrinth (VL) and may be associated with vestibular signs. Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is widespread amongst cat populations and affects many different tissues. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the presence of FHV-1 DNA in the VG and VL of randomly selected domestic cats using PCR. FHV-1 DNA was detected in the VG of 14% of the cats. There was no detectable FHV-1 DNA in the VL of any cat. None of the infected cats had vestibular signs related to the VG infection.