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Aseptic meningitis due to Frater type virus in Ontario
Abstract:
During the summer and fall of 1959 and 1960 a virus was isolated on 14 occasions from the stool or cerebrospinal fluid or both of 12 patients with a clinical picture of non-paralytic poliomyelitis or aseptic meningitis. The patients were from eight different localities in Ontario. The isolated virus was not neutralized by antisera to any of the known enteroviruses, reoviruses or adenoviruses, nor did antiserum to the isolate neutralize any of these viruses. Antiserum to Frater virus, however, did neutralize this isolate and in turn was itself neutralized by antiserum to this virus. Frater virus was isolated in Scotland from cases of aseptic meningitis during the same period in 1959 and 1960. In Ontario this virus was not encountered before 1959. Isolation of the virus from cerebrospinal fluid and demonstration of immunological response in the patients establish its etiological significance. Biological characteristics indicate that it belongs to the Echo group.
Insights
A novel virus, now identified as Frater virus, was isolated from patients with aseptic meningitis in Ontario between 1959-1960. This Echo group virus was confirmed as the cause of illness through immunological responses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Aseptic meningitis and non-paralytic poliomyelitis present diagnostic challenges.
- Enteroviruses, reoviruses, and adenoviruses are common causes of viral meningitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the etiological agent responsible for aseptic meningitis cases in Ontario during 1959-1960.
- To characterize the newly isolated virus and determine its classification.
Main Methods:
- Virus isolation from patient stool and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Serological testing using neutralization assays against known viral antisera.
- Comparison with a previously identified Frater virus isolate.
Main Results:
- A virus was isolated from 12 patients across eight Ontario localities.
- The isolate was not neutralized by antisera to enteroviruses, reoviruses, or adenoviruses.
- The isolate was identified as Frater virus through reciprocal neutralization with specific antiserum.
- Frater virus was also isolated in Scotland during the same period.
- Biological characteristics placed the virus within the Echo group.
Conclusions:
- Frater virus was the causative agent of aseptic meningitis in the studied Ontario patients.
- The emergence of Frater virus in Ontario was noted in 1959.
- The virus is classified as an Echo virus based on its biological properties.