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Persistent Seoul virus infection in Lewis rats
S R Compton1, R O Jacoby, F X Paturzo
1Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticutt 06520, USA. susan.compton@yale.edu
Archives of Virology
|June 29, 2004
Summary
Infant Lewis rats develop persistent Seoul virus infections without symptoms, offering a new model for hantavirus research. This study identifies key tissues and cell types involved in hantavirus persistence.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Hantavirus persistence studies are hindered by the absence of adaptable animal models.
- Understanding hantavirus reservoirs is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize a novel animal model for studying Seoul virus persistence.
- To investigate the cellular tropism and long-term effects of Seoul virus infection in rats.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of infant Lewis rats with Seoul virus (strain 80-39).
- Assessment of viral RNA (RT-PCR, ISH) and infectious virus isolation at multiple time points.
- In vitro infection of cultured rat vascular cells.
Main Results:
- Infant rats (6 days old) developed asymptomatic persistent infections, with viral RNA detected up to 12 weeks post-inoculation in multiple organs.
- Virus was isolated from lung and kidney at 6 weeks.
- Vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells were identified as primary sites of infection; pancreatic infection led to hyperglycemia.
Conclusions:
- Infant Lewis rats provide a susceptible model for asymptomatic, persistent Seoul virus infection.
- This model facilitates in vivo and in vitro studies of hantavirus-host cell interactions.
- The findings highlight vascular cells as key targets for persistent hantavirus infection.
