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Characteristics of scrapie isolates derived from hay mites
R I Carp1, H C Meeker, R Rubenstein
1Department of Virology, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, New York, NY 10314-6399, USA.
Abstract:
Previous epidemiological evidence suggested that in some instances a vector and/or reservoir is involved in the occurrence and spread of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). In a preliminary study, hay mite preparations from five Icelandic farms with a history of scrapie were injected into mice, and some of these mice became sick after long incubation periods. To confirm that the disease was scrapie, subsequent passages in mice were performed. In addition, the characteristics of the disease process in these passages were assessed and the results compared to those findings with standard scrapie strains. As expected for scrapie, subsequent passages in the same host led to shortened incubation periods compared to those in primary isolate mice, and all mice had spongiform changes in brain. Results were similar for three of four isolates with regard to clinical manifestations, the incubation periods in mice of the three scrapie incubation-period genotypes (s7s7, s7p7, p7p7), and the PrPSc Western blot (WB) pattern. The characteristics of the fourth isolate were markedly different from the other three isolates with regard to these parameters. Comparison of the characteristics of standard mouse-adapted scrapie strains and the four isolates revealed differences; these differences were particularly pronounced for the fourth isolate.
Insights
This study investigated if hay mites transmit scrapie (a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy). Mice injected with mite preparations developed scrapie, confirming a potential vector role for these mites in disease transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Prion Disease Research
- Epidemiology of Animal Diseases
Background:
- Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) may involve vectors or reservoirs.
- Previous studies suggested a potential role for arthropods in TSE transmission.
- Hay mites were investigated as potential vectors for scrapie.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm if hay mites can transmit scrapie to mice.
- To characterize the disease progression and compare it with known scrapie strains.
- To assess the potential role of hay mites as vectors for scrapie.
Main Methods:
- Mice were inoculated with hay mite preparations from scrapie-affected farms.
- Subsequent passages in mice were performed to confirm infectivity and characterize the disease.
- Clinical signs, incubation periods across different mouse genotypes, and PrPSc Western blot patterns were analyzed.
- Isolates were compared to each other and to standard mouse-adapted scrapie strains.
Main Results:
- Mice inoculated with hay mite preparations developed spongiform changes and clinical signs consistent with scrapie.
- Subsequent passages resulted in shortened incubation periods, characteristic of scrapie.
- Three of the four isolates showed similar characteristics to standard scrapie strains.
- One isolate exhibited distinct characteristics, differing significantly from the others and standard strains.
Conclusions:
- Hay mites can transmit scrapie, supporting their role as a potential vector.
- Scrapie isolates from different sources can exhibit varying characteristics.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the role of vectors in scrapie epidemiology.
