[An experimental infection caused by the Issyk-Kul arbovirus]

Pathogenic properties of Issyk-Kul virus have been experimentally studied in green monkeys, golden hamsters and white mice. The virus was identified in the blood and organs of all the animals. Pathohistological studies have revealed inflammatory and dystrophic changes in the central nervous system, lungs, liver and kidneys. Pronounced immunomorphological changes have been observed in the spleen. The virus possessed pantropic properties and caused generalized infection in all the animals irrespective of the mode of infection. In monkeys asymptomatic infection was accompanied by marked organ damages and virusemia. The presence of specific antibodies in the blood indicated a low efficacy of humoral immunity in this infection.