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In vitro host-cell susceptibility to Usutu virus
Tamás Bakonyi1, Helga Lussy, Herbert Weissenböck
1University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, A-1210 Austria.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|March 9, 2005
Summary
This study assessed Usutu virus susceptibility in various cell types. Mammalian cells supported viral multiplication, while chicken cells and embryos were resistant to Usutu virus infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Usutu virus (USUV), a member of the Flavivirus genus, is an emerging mosquito-borne pathogen.
- Understanding viral tropism and host susceptibility is crucial for controlling USUV transmission and pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the susceptibility of various cell types, including permanent cell lines, primary cultures, and avian embryos, to Usutu virus infection.
- To identify cell types that support Usutu virus replication.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of 13 permanent cell lines, 3 primary cell cultures, and chicken embryos with Usutu virus.
- Monitoring for cytopathic effects (CPE).
- Detection of viral multiplication using immunohistochemical tests.
Main Results:
- Cytopathic effects were observed in Vero, PK-15, and goose embryo fibroblast cells.
- Viral multiplication was confirmed in all tested mammalian cell types.
- Chicken embryo fibroblast cells and chicken embryos exhibited resistance to Usutu virus infection.
Conclusions:
- Mammalian cell lines and primary cultures are susceptible to Usutu virus replication.
- Avian cells and embryos are resistant to Usutu virus, suggesting a species-specific tropism.