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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
10:21
In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS) Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus
Published on: December 2, 2012
VENEZUELAN EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS IN MAN
J Casals1, E C Curnen, L Thomas
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research and the United States Navy Research Unit at the Hospital of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus was identified in a laboratory worker with a mild febrile illness. Antibody responses confirmed the viral infection during the convalescent phase, indicating a successful immune response to the Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A mild, acute, febrile illness occurred in a laboratory worker.
- The illness involved symptoms affecting the upper respiratory passages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of the febrile illness.
- To investigate the immune response to the identified agent.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of a filterable agent from blood and respiratory washings.
- Serological testing, including complement fixation and neutralization assays, on acute and convalescent sera.
Main Results:
- A strain of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus was isolated.
- Specific complement-fixing and neutralizing antibodies were detected in convalescent sera but not in acute-phase sera.
- A simultaneously ill laboratory worker also showed a similar antibody response.
Conclusions:
- The isolated agent was identified as Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus.
- The development of specific antibodies confirmed the viral infection and indicated an immune response during convalescence.
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