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Published on: August 31, 2013
Isolation of Tettnang virus from Ixodes ricinus ticks in Czechoslovakia
Abstract:
Three virus strains closely related to Tettnang virus were isolated from nymphs and males of Ixodes ricinus tick in Moravia and Slovakia. The virus isolates were lethal for suckling mice on intracerebral (i.c.) inoculation but the virus titres in the brain were low. The incubation period of 5--12 days in the first mouse passage was shortened to 3 days in further passages. Infection of mice was accompanied by ultrastructural changes in the cytoplasm of neurons. Groups of spherical virus particles 75 to 80 nm in diameter occurred within simple vacuoles.
Insights
Three novel virus strains, related to Tettnang virus, were identified in Ixodes ricinus ticks. These tick-borne viruses proved lethal to mice, causing neuronal damage and revealing distinct viral particle structures.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Arthropod-borne viruses
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Ixodes ricinus ticks are known vectors of various pathogens.
- Tettnang virus is an arbovirus with limited characterization.
- Identification of novel tick-borne viruses is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize novel virus strains from Ixodes ricinus ticks.
- To investigate the pathogenicity and neuropathology of these new virus isolates in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Virus isolation from tick specimens collected in Moravia and Slovakia.
- Intracerebral inoculation of suckling mice with isolated virus strains.
- Monitoring of clinical signs, mortality, and virus titration in mouse brains.
- Ultrastructural analysis of infected neuronal tissues using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Three virus strains phylogenetically related to Tettnang virus were successfully isolated.
- Intracerebral inoculation caused lethality in suckling mice with low brain virus titers.
- Shortened incubation periods were observed in subsequent mouse passages.
- Ultrastructural examination revealed viral particles (75-80 nm) within cytoplasmic vacuoles in neurons.
Conclusions:
- The isolated viruses represent a potential new threat transmitted by Ixodes ricinus ticks.
- Further research is needed to determine the full pathogenic potential and epidemiological significance of these viruses.
