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In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS) Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus
Published on: December 2, 2012
COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE VIRUSES OF VESICULAR STOMATITIS AND EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS (1)
P K Olitsky1, H R Cox, J T Syverton
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Equine encephalomyelitis and vesicular stomatitis viruses can switch between neurotropic and dermotropic properties. Mice are highly susceptible to both viruses, making them ideal for studying encephalitis and related lesions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Pathogen Biology
Background:
- Equine encephalomyelitis and vesicular stomatitis viruses are significant pathogens in horses.
- Previous studies have described some properties of these viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate additional properties of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and equine encephalomyelitis virus (EEV).
- To compare the biological reactions and tropism of VSV and EEV.
Main Methods:
- Experimental inoculation of various animal models (mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, monkeys) with VSV and EEV.
- Intracerebral and intranasal inoculation routes were utilized.
- Histopathological examination of infected tissues to observe cellular changes and inclusion bodies.
- In vitro cultivation of viruses in chicken embryonic tissue.
Main Results:
- VSV, typically dermotropic, acquired neurotropism, while neurotropic EEV became dermotropic.
- Both viruses induced similar infections across multiple animal species, with mice showing the highest susceptibility and uniform, lethal encephalitis.
- Mice nasal mucosa proved highly susceptible to infection.
- Microscopic examination revealed destructive central nervous system lesions and, in protracted cases, productive inflammatory reactions with intranuclear inclusion bodies.
- Viruses were cultivable in chicken embryonic tissue, but young chicks were refractory to infection.
- No cross-immunity was observed between VSV strains or between VSV and EEV.
Conclusions:
- VSV and EEV share biological similarities and can alter their tropism.
- Mice are a suitable model for studying these viruses due to their high susceptibility and induced encephalitis.
- Despite similarities, the absence of cross-immunity suggests distinct viral types, though a generic relationship is possible given variations within related virus families.
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