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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Rescue of Recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus from cDNA
Published on: October 11, 2013
Enhancement of bacterial infections in mice by newcastle disease virus
R Hugh1, K Y Huang, T B Elliott
1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20005.
Abstract:
This report describes an attempt to define the factors which incite secondary bacterial pneumonias. Groups of mice were given bacteria intraperitoneally and, at various intervals, Newcastle disease virus intravenously. There was an increase in the number of deaths and in the rates of death in these groups, when compared with a control group which was given only bacteria. These results were obtained with Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enteritidis ser. typhimurium. Newcastle disease virus increased the mortality rate of mice with bacterial infections when the two agents were given within 24 hr.
Insights
Newcastle disease virus exacerbates secondary bacterial pneumonia in mice. Administering the virus within 24 hours of bacterial infection significantly increased mortality rates, highlighting viral-bacterial interactions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Secondary bacterial pneumonias are a significant clinical concern.
- Understanding co-infection dynamics is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors inciting secondary bacterial pneumonias.
- To determine the effect of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) on bacterial pneumonia mortality in mice.
Main Methods:
- Mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Salmonella enteritidis ser. typhimurium.
- Newcastle disease virus was administered intravenously at various intervals post-bacterial inoculation.
- Mortality rates were compared between experimental and control groups.
Main Results:
- Co-administration of NDV with bacteria significantly increased the number and rate of deaths compared to bacterial infection alone.
- The increased mortality was observed with multiple bacterial species.
- NDV administration within 24 hours of bacterial infection showed a pronounced effect on mortality.
Conclusions:
- Newcastle disease virus acts as a factor inciting secondary bacterial pneumonias.
- NDV exacerbates mortality in mice with bacterial infections, particularly when administered within a 24-hour window.
- These findings underscore the role of viral infections in complicating bacterial pneumonia outcomes.
