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Calomys callidus as a potential Junin virus reservoir
C Videla1, A Kajon, G Carballal
1Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Journal of Medical Virology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
The Calomys callidus cricetid can develop persistent Junin virus (JV) infections, shedding the virus through saliva. This supports C. callidus as a potential reservoir for Junin virus transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mammalian Reservoir Studies
Background:
- Junin virus (JV) causes Argentinian hemorrhagic fever.
- Rodent species are known reservoirs for arenaviruses, including JV.
- The role of Calomys callidus in JV epidemiology is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Calomys callidus can be experimentally infected with Junin virus.
- To assess the potential of C. callidus to act as a persistent reservoir for JV.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of newborn and adult C. callidus with an attenuated JV strain (XJ-Clone 3).
- Administration via intracerebral and mucosal routes.
- Monitoring for viral shedding (saliva) and persistence (brain tissue).
Main Results:
- C. callidus is susceptible to experimental Junin virus infection.
- Persistent infection was confirmed by detecting JV in brain tissue 60 days post-infection.
- Chronic viral shedding was observed in the saliva of infected cricetids.
Conclusions:
- Calomys callidus can develop persistent Junin virus infections.
- The species demonstrates chronic viral shedding, indicating potential for transmission.
- C. callidus is a potential reservoir for Junin virus, especially given shared habitats with other known reservoirs.