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Measles virus: an unwanted variant causing hydrocephalus
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 7, 1975
Abstract:
Mutagenization of measles virus with proflavine produced a temperature-sensitive mutant capable of inducing hydrocephalus following intracranial inoculation of newborn hamsters. Hydrocephalus was not produced by the parental strain or by other measles virus mutants. Thus, mutants can be the causative agents of disease not associated with the parental strain. The results dictate caution in the use and distribution of experimentally induced virus variants.
Insights
Experimentally altering measles virus created a temperature-sensitive mutant. This mutant caused hydrocephalus in newborn hamsters, a condition not seen with the original virus strain, highlighting risks of virus variants.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Measles virus is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding virus-mutant interactions is crucial for disease control.
- Experimental mutagenesis can alter viral properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenic potential of measles virus mutants.
- To determine if mutagenized measles virus can cause novel diseases.
- To assess the safety of experimentally induced virus variants.
Main Methods:
- Measles virus was mutagenized using proflavine.
- A temperature-sensitive mutant was isolated.
- Newborn hamsters were intracranially inoculated with the mutant and parental strains.
Main Results:
- The temperature-sensitive measles virus mutant induced hydrocephalus in newborn hamsters.
- The parental measles virus strain did not cause hydrocephalus.
- Other measles virus mutants also failed to induce hydrocephalus.
Conclusions:
- Experimentally derived virus mutants can exhibit novel pathogenicities.
- Measles virus mutants can cause diseases distinct from the parental strain.
- Caution is warranted in the use and dissemination of experimentally generated virus variants.
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