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[Influenza in heterothermic animals]
Dalva Assunção Portari Mancini1, Rita Maria Zucatelli Mendonça, Aurora Marques Cianciarullo
1Laboratório de Virologia do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP. labvirol@bol.com.br
Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira De Medicina Tropical
|August 28, 2004
Summary
Heterothermic animals, including snakes and amphibians, possess red cell receptors and antibodies for influenza viruses. This suggests they may serve as hosts and are susceptible to influenza virus infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Herpetology
- Immunology
Context:
- Orthomyxovirus surveillance in non-avian species is crucial for understanding viral ecology.
- Heterothermic animals, such as reptiles and amphibians, represent an understudied reservoir for zoonotic viruses.
- Investigating influenza virus interactions with cold-blooded vertebrates provides insights into host-pathogen dynamics.
Purpose:
- To investigate the presence of influenza virus receptors and antibodies in heterothermic animals.
- To determine the susceptibility of snakes and amphibians to influenza A and B viruses.
- To evaluate the potential role of these animals in influenza virus transmission.
Summary:
- Blood samples from snakes (Bothrops, Crotalus) and amphibians (Bufo, Rana) were analyzed for red cell receptors and influenza-specific antibodies using hemagglutination and inhibition tests.
- Snakes and toads, both captive and recently captured, exhibited receptors and antibodies for influenza A and B.
- Reptiles showed protective antibody levels, while frogs (83.3%) had significant antibody titers against certain influenza strains.
Impact:
- Heterothermic animals may act as hosts for influenza viruses, contributing to viral diversity and circulation.
- Findings highlight the potential for cross-species influenza transmission, necessitating further research into wildlife surveillance.
- This study expands the understanding of influenza virus host range and ecological significance in ectothermic vertebrates.