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Infection of mice, ferrets, and rhesus macaques with a clinical mumps virus isolate
Pei Xu1, Zhixiang Huang, Xiudan Gao
1Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.
Abstract:
In recent years, many mumps outbreaks have occurred in vaccinated populations worldwide. The reasons for these outbreaks are not clear. Animal models are needed to investigate the causes of outbreaks and to understand the pathogenesis of mumps virus (MuV). In this study, we have examined the infection of three animal models with an isolate of mumps virus from a recent outbreak (MuV-IA). We have found that while both ferrets and mice generated humoral and cellular immune responses to MuV-IA infection, no obvious signs of illness were observed in these animals; rhesus macaques were the most susceptible to MuV-IA infection. Infection of rhesus macaques via both intranasal and intratracheal routes with MuV-IA led to the typical clinical signs of mumps 2 weeks to 4 weeks postinfection. However, none of the infected macaques showed any fever or neurologic signs during the experimental period. Mumps viral antigen was detected in parotid glands by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Rhesus macaques represent the best animal model for the study of mumps virus pathogenesis.
Insights
Mumps outbreaks in vaccinated people need better animal models. Rhesus macaques are the best model for studying mumps virus pathogenesis, showing typical symptoms after infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Recurrent mumps outbreaks globally occur despite high vaccination rates.
- The underlying causes of these outbreaks and mumps virus (MuV) pathogenesis remain unclear.
- Effective animal models are crucial for investigating MuV outbreaks and disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate three distinct animal models for their susceptibility and response to a contemporary mumps virus isolate (MuV-IA).
- To identify a suitable animal model for studying mumps virus pathogenesis and informing outbreak investigations.
Main Methods:
- Infection of ferrets, mice, and rhesus macaques with MuV-IA via intranasal and intratracheal routes.
- Assessment of immune responses (humoral and cellular) in ferrets and mice.
- Clinical observation and viral antigen detection (immunohistochemistry) in infected rhesus macaques.
Main Results:
- Ferrets and mice mounted immune responses but showed no clinical signs of illness.
- Rhesus macaques exhibited typical mumps clinical signs 2–4 weeks postinfection following intranasal/intratracheal inoculation.
- Mumps viral antigen was localized in the parotid glands of infected macaques; no fever or neurological signs were observed.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus macaques are highly susceptible to MuV-IA and display relevant clinical manifestations.
- Rhesus macaques serve as the most appropriate animal model for in-depth studies of mumps virus pathogenesis.
- This model can aid in understanding mumps outbreaks in vaccinated populations.
