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[The isolation of the morbilli virus from the Baikal seal Phoca sibirica and its preliminary characterization]
Abstract:
A morbillivirus was isolated from the organs of a seal (Phoca sibirica) which had died during 1987-1988 epizootic in Baikal. This Baikal seal morbillivirus (BSM) was adapted to Vero cell cultures in which it induced a cytopathic effect developing to complete destruction of the monolayer. Typing of BSM was done by indirect immunofluorescence test and enzyme immunoassay using antibodies to distemper and measles viruses. A method for virus concentration and purification was developed. According to electron microscopic examinations, the virus virions were spherical particles of heterogeneous sizes over 100 nm in diameter. The clinical picture of seal infection, pathological anatomy and histopathology are described. A possible role of BSM in the epizootics of Baikal seals is discussed.
Insights
A novel morbillivirus, Baikal seal morbillivirus (BSM), was identified in Baikal seals during a 1987-1988 epizootic. This virus caused significant disease and mortality in the seal population.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Marine Mammal Health
- Ecology
Context:
- An epizootic event in Baikal seals (Phoca sibirica) between 1987-1988 led to significant mortality.
- Investigation into the causative agent of this widespread seal mortality was crucial for understanding the epizootic dynamics.
Purpose:
- To isolate and characterize the virus responsible for the Baikal seal epizootic.
- To determine the viral etiology of the 1987-1988 Baikal seal mortality event.
- To establish methods for virus detection, concentration, and purification.
Summary:
- A morbillivirus, designated Baikal seal morbillivirus (BSM), was isolated from affected Baikal seals.
- The isolated BSM was adapted to Vero cell cultures, demonstrating a cytopathic effect.
- Virus typing via immunofluorescence and enzyme immunoassay, alongside electron microscopy, characterized BSM's morphology and relation to other morbilliviruses.
- Clinical, pathological, and histopathological findings of the seal infections were documented.
Impact:
- The identification of BSM provides critical etiological data for understanding Baikal seal population dynamics.
- This research contributes to the knowledge of morbillivirus diversity and host specificity in aquatic environments.
- The developed methods for virus concentration and purification can aid future diagnostic and research efforts on seal morbilliviruses.