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Hepatitis A antigen particles in liver, bile, and stool of chimpanzees
Abstract:
Virus-like hepatitis A antigen (HA Ag) particles, presumably hepatitis A virus, were isolated from the liver, bile, and stool of three chimpanzees that had been infected with stool filtrates containing HA Ag particles. Specimens of serum, stool, liver biopsy material, and bile were obtained at selected intervals during the experiment. The animals developed mild hepatitis 19-21 days after inoculation, and antibody to HA Ag appeared de novo in their convalescent-phase serum. During acute illness, virus-like particles similar to the HA Ag particle were seen in liver cell cytoplasm by electron microscopy. HA Ag particles were detected by immune electron microscopy and a new radioimmunoassay in isopycnically banded samples of liver, bile, and stool. HA Ag particles were found at densities of 1.29-1.39 g/cm3, but the major peak density for antigen particles in samples of liver, bile, and stool was approximately 1.34 g/cm3. The fact that HA Ag particles can be recovered from chimpanzee liver, bile, and stool makes these potentially important sources of infectious and antigenic materials.
Insights
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was isolated from chimpanzee liver, bile, and stool. These findings highlight chimpanzee samples as potential sources for infectious and antigenic hepatitis A materials.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes infectious hepatitis.
- Identifying sources of HAV is crucial for research and vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize hepatitis A antigen (HA Ag) particles from infected chimpanzees.
- To determine the potential of chimpanzee tissues and excreta as sources of HAV.
Main Methods:
- Infection of chimpanzees with stool filtrates containing HA Ag particles.
- Collection of serum, stool, liver biopsy, and bile samples.
- Detection of HA Ag particles using immune electron microscopy and radioimmunoassay.
- Analysis of particle density via isopycnic banding.
Main Results:
- Mild hepatitis developed in chimpanzees 19-21 days post-inoculation.
- Antibody to HA Ag appeared in convalescent serum.
- Virus-like particles were observed in liver cell cytoplasm via electron microscopy.
- HA Ag particles were detected in liver, bile, and stool, with a major peak density of approximately 1.34 g/cm³.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) can be successfully isolated from the liver, bile, and stool of infected chimpanzees.
- Chimpanzee-derived HA Ag particles are potentially valuable sources of infectious and antigenic material for further study.