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Altered histopathology in protein-deprived mice during Sendai virus pneumonia: evidence for delayed inflammatory
V Peña-Cruz1, R T Bronson, C S Reiss
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Abstract:
The morphology of the lungs and airway during the course of respiratory infection caused by Sendai virus was examined in normal (20% protein diet) and malnourished (2% protein diet) BALB/c mice. Mortality in normal Sendai-infected mice was 0 compared with 71% in the infected malnourished group. Virus was isolated until day 6 in normally fed mice and until day 9 in the malnourished group. Pulmonary inflammation was largely mononuclear and began in the normally nourished animals on day 3, peaked at day 6, and reverted almost to normal by 30 days. In the malnourished group, inflammation was delayed by about 1 day and fell further behind during the first week. It peaked 10-13 days after infection and was still present with little resolution by day 30. These findings may have relevance to the high mortality of acute respiratory diseases in children of the developing world.
Insights
Malnutrition significantly worsens Sendai virus respiratory infections in mice, increasing mortality and prolonging inflammation. This highlights the impact of poor nutrition on respiratory disease outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Respiratory infections pose a significant global health burden, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Malnutrition is a known risk factor for infectious diseases, but its specific impact on viral respiratory infections requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of malnutrition on the host response to Sendai virus infection.
- To compare the pulmonary morphology and inflammatory responses in normal and malnourished mice.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were divided into normal (20% protein diet) and malnourished (2% protein diet) groups.
- Mice were infected with Sendai virus, and outcomes including mortality, virus isolation, and pulmonary inflammation were monitored.
- Histopathological examination of lung and airway tissues was performed.
Main Results:
- Malnourished mice exhibited 71% mortality compared to 0% in normal mice.
- Virus shedding was prolonged in malnourished mice (9 days vs. 6 days).
- Pulmonary inflammation was delayed, prolonged, and less resolved in malnourished mice.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition exacerbates Sendai virus-induced respiratory disease, leading to increased mortality and persistent inflammation.
- These findings suggest a critical role for nutritional status in determining the severity of viral respiratory infections.
- The results have implications for understanding acute respiratory diseases in malnourished children in developing countries.