Limitations on the Multiplicity of Cellular Infection During Human Alphaherpesvirus Disease

Purpose of Review Nearly every human is persistently infected with one of three alphaherpesviruses: herpes simplex virus-1, herpes simplex virus-2, and varicella zoster virus. Infection elicits diseases ranging from epithelial lesions to viral encephalitis. Recurrent alphaherpesvirus-associated diseases result from transmission of infection from neurons. The number of viruses that productively infects a cell defines an important property known as the multiplicity of cellular infection (MOCI). The rates at which alphaherpesviruses replicate within cells, spread infection between cells, and elicit recurrent diseases are directly impacted by the MOCI.