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Published on: June 9, 2011
A FILTER-PASSING VIRUS OBTAINED FROM DERMACENTOR ANDERSONI
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
Abstract:
An invisible, filter-passing virus, pathogenic for the guinea pig, and capable of cultivation on special media for at least seven generations, has been isolated from a tick of the species Dermacentor andersoni. One of two monkeys (Macacus rhesus) inoculated became infected, and in one rabbit the result was negative. The virus has been transmitted from infected guinea pigs to ticks as also in one instance by tick feeding from an infected tick to a guinea pig The presence of the virus in the tick is more easily demonstrated by the inoculation of guinea pigs with a suspension of the tick viscera. Continuous high fever (104.5-106.5 degrees F.) and enlargement of the spleen are the chief symptoms of the infection in guinea pigs. After the febrile attack the guinea pigs are not susceptible to reinoculation with the cultured virus but are subject to infection with the virus of spotted fever, and vice versa.
Insights
A novel virus isolated from Dermacentor andersoni ticks causes fever and enlarged spleen in guinea pigs. This tick-borne virus shows cross-immunity with spotted fever in guinea pigs.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Entomology
- Pathogen Discovery
Background:
- A filter-passing virus, pathogenic to guinea pigs, was isolated.
- The virus was successfully cultivated on special media for at least seven generations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel virus from Dermacentor andersoni ticks.
- To investigate the pathogenicity and transmission of the isolated virus.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of the virus from Dermacentor andersoni ticks.
- Cultivation of the virus on special media.
- Inoculation of guinea pigs, monkeys (Macacus rhesus), and rabbits.
- Transmission studies involving infected guinea pigs and ticks.
- Demonstration of virus presence in tick viscera.
Main Results:
- The virus was pathogenic for guinea pigs, causing continuous high fever (104.5-106.5°F) and spleen enlargement.
- Infection was established in one of two inoculated monkeys; rabbits showed negative results.
- Virus transmission occurred from infected guinea pigs to ticks and from ticks to a guinea pig.
- Guinea pigs surviving the febrile attack developed immunity to the cultured virus but remained susceptible to spotted fever virus, and vice versa.
Conclusions:
- A novel, tick-borne virus pathogenic to guinea pigs has been identified.
- The virus can be cultivated and transmitted via ticks, with distinct clinical signs in guinea pigs.
- Cross-immunity observed suggests a relationship or distinction between this virus and spotted fever agents.
