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Transmission of Black Creek Canal virus between cotton rats
K L Hutchinson1, P E Rollin, W J Shieh
1Special Pathogens Branch, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. kbh@cdc.gov
Abstract:
Black Creek Canal (BCC) virus is a hantavirus associated with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in southeastern North America. The virus was isolated from the spleen of a cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) trapped in southern Florida. Our previous studies have shown that we could consistently infect male cotton rats with BCC virus in the laboratory. These animals became persistently infected and virus could be detected in salivary glands, urine, and feces. In this report we show: (1) female and male cotton rats are equally susceptible to BCC virus infection, (2) susceptibility to infection was not influenced by age, (3) all inoculated rats transmitted the infection to uninoculated cage mates, and (4) offspring of infected rats became infected despite the presence of high maternal antibodies. The course of BCC virus infection, as determined by antibody response and the ability to isolate or detect virus, appeared to be similar regardless of whether the rats obtained their infection by inoculation or contact with inoculated rats. J. Med. Virol. 60:70-76, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Insights
Black Creek Canal (BCC) virus infects cotton rats regardless of sex or age. Infected rats transmit BCC virus to cage mates and offspring, highlighting its contagious nature.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mammalian Virology
Background:
- Black Creek Canal (BCC) virus, a hantavirus, is linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in North America.
- Previous research established BCC virus infection in male cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus), with persistent virus shedding in saliva, urine, and feces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of female cotton rats to BCC virus.
- To determine the influence of age on BCC virus susceptibility.
- To assess the transmission dynamics of BCC virus within cotton rat populations, including cage-to-cage and mother-to-offspring transmission.
Main Methods:
- Experimental inoculation of male and female cotton rats of various ages with BCC virus.
- Monitoring for clinical signs, antibody response, and virus detection (isolation/detection) in tissues and excretions.
- Observing transmission to naive cage mates and assessing infection in offspring born to infected mothers.
Main Results:
- Female and male cotton rats demonstrated equal susceptibility to BCC virus infection.
- Age did not significantly influence the susceptibility of cotton rats to BCC virus.
- All inoculated rats successfully transmitted BCC virus to uninoculated cage mates.
- Offspring of infected rats acquired BCC virus infection even in the presence of high levels of maternal antibodies.
- The course of infection, antibody response, and virus detectability were consistent across inoculation and contact transmission routes.
Conclusions:
- Cotton rats are equally susceptible to BCC virus infection irrespective of sex and age.
- BCC virus exhibits efficient horizontal (contact) and vertical (maternal) transmission in cotton rats.
- These findings underscore the potential for widespread BCC virus transmission within cotton rat populations, relevant to understanding hantavirus ecology and disease spread.