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Experimental cowpox virus infection in rats
Donata Kalthoff1, Patricia König, Hermann Meyer
1Institute of Diagnostic Virology Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
Veterinary Microbiology
|July 5, 2011
Summary
A pet rat cowpox virus strain caused severe, often fatal disease in young rats. High virus levels were found in their secretions, indicating significant viral shedding.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cowpox virus (CPXV) can infect various mammalian species, including rodents and humans.
- A specific CPXV strain, originating from pet rats, has been implicated in human infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenicity of a pet rat-derived CPXV strain in young Wistar and fancy rats.
- To characterize the disease progression and viral shedding following experimental infection.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of young Wistar and fancy rats with a CPXV strain from pet rats.
- Monitoring animals for clinical signs of disease post-incubation.
- Quantification of virus in oropharyngeal secretions.
Main Results:
- A severe, frequently fatal disease developed in infected rats after a 6-day incubation period.
- High titers of cowpox virus were detected in oropharyngeal secretions of affected animals.
- The CPXV strain demonstrated significant pathogenicity in this rodent model.
Conclusions:
- The pet rat-derived CPXV strain is highly virulent in young rats.
- Significant viral shedding in oropharyngeal secretions suggests a potential for transmission.
- This model is relevant for studying CPXV pathogenesis and transmission dynamics.
