Influence of certain immunodepressants on experimental flavivirus and enterovirus infections in mice

The effects of cyclophosphamide and 1,3-(piperidinomethyl)-5-phenyl-5-ethylbarbituric acid on certain flavi- and enterovirus infections in mice were studied. Differential enhancement of mortality rates after extraneural and, less markedly, intracerebral virus inoculation was noted. While depression of humoral and/or cell-mediated immunity is considered to be responsible for the effects observed in flavivirus infections, impaired function of the reticuloendothelial system seems to contribute mainly to the potentiation of Mengo virus infection by the immunodepressants used.