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Isolation of St. Louis encephalitis virus from a killer whale
C Buck1, G P Paulino, D J Medina
1Virology Department, American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
Clinical and Diagnostic Virology
|July 1, 1993
Summary
St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) virus was identified in a killer whale, marking the first instance in marine mammals. This finding highlights potential zoonotic risks and the need for further investigation into flavivirus in marine wildlife.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Marine Mammal Health
- Arbovirology
Background:
- St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) virus is a significant cause of human arboviral encephalitis in North America.
- Marine mammals are increasingly recognized as potential sentinels for environmental health and emerging infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first isolation of SLE virus from a marine mammal.
- To investigate the potential role of marine mammals in the ecology of flaviviruses.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of a deceased killer whale.
- Isolation of virus from brain, kidney, and lung tissues.
- Cell culture studies using a dolphin cell line (SP-1K).
- Electron microscopy for virion morphology.
- Serological confirmation via neutralization and immunofluorescence assays.
Main Results:
- SLE virus was successfully isolated from a mature male killer whale (Orcinus orca).
- Virus-induced cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed in inoculated SP-1K cells.
- Electron microscopy confirmed virions consistent with Flaviviridae family.
- Identification was confirmed through neutralization and immunofluorescence tests.
Conclusions:
- This study documents the first isolation of SLE virus from a marine mammal.
- The findings suggest that marine mammals may be susceptible to SLE virus infection.
- Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and potential public health implications of flaviviruses in marine ecosystems.
