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Sporadic bovine meningo-encephalitis-isolation of a paramyxovirus
Abstract:
Isolation of a viral agent (107) directly from brain explants of a 15-month-old heifer with symptoms of a sporadic encephalomyelitis is described. The virus shares properties with the paramyxovirus family. It grows in a variety of cell cultures from different species, and induces nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in infected cells. Nucleocapsids measuring 17 nm in diameter were found in the nucleus and cytoplasm of these cells when studied electron microscopically, thus indicating a close relationship of the agent to the measles-distemper-rinderpest group. No infectious virus was released from infected cells, although alignment of nucleocapsids was observed beneath the cell membrane, and no hemagglutinating activity could be detected with the methods employed. The 107 agent was compared serologically with parainfluenza viruses type 1, 2 and 3, simian virus 5, mumps and Newcastle disease virus (NDV), two bovine respiratory syncytial viruses and measles/subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, distemper and rinderpest viruses, always using 107 virus infected CV1 cells and antiserum of the different viruses in indirect FA tests. Positive FA reactions were observed only with two sera obtained from SSPE patients with high antibody titer to SSPE virus, and with one rabbit-anti-rinderpest serum. The titers of these sera to 107 virus, however, were significantly lower than those against homologous viruses. Five out of 9 sera from randomly selected healthy cattle showed antibody titers between 1:10 and 1:80 to 107 virus in FA tests. The significance of these results is discussed with respect to the epidemiology of SSPE in children and its possible implication with rinderpest in Europe.
Insights
A novel paramyxovirus was isolated from a heifer with encephalomyelitis. This virus shows similarities to the measles-distemper-rinderpest group, with potential implications for both animal and human health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Sporadic encephalomyelitis in cattle can be caused by various agents.
- Paramyxoviruses are a family of viruses known to cause significant diseases in both animals and humans.
- Understanding novel viral agents is crucial for disease control and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a viral agent from a case of bovine encephalomyelitis.
- To determine the viral agent's relationship to known virus families, particularly paramyxoviruses.
- To investigate potential serological links to human and animal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of the viral agent from brain explants.
- Cultivation in various cell lines and observation of cytopathic effects.
- Electron microscopy to identify viral structures (nucleocapsids).
- Serological comparison using indirect immunofluorescence assays.
Main Results:
- A viral agent, designated 107, was isolated and shares properties with paramyxoviruses.
- Electron microscopy revealed 17 nm nucleocapsids in infected cells, suggesting a link to the measles-distemper-rinderpest group.
- Serological tests showed weak positive reactions with SSPE patient sera and anti-rinderpest serum.
- Antibodies to the 107 agent were detected in a subset of healthy cattle sera.
Conclusions:
- The isolated agent is a paramyxovirus related to the measles-distemper-rinderpest group.
- The findings suggest a potential zoonotic or cross-species transmission link.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the epidemiological significance of this agent in cattle and its potential connection to human diseases like SSPE or rinderpest.