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Infection of rabbits with Sendai virus
1Department of Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Rabbits were either inoculated with Sendai virus (SV), strain MN, or caged with virus-inoculated rabbits on the same day of the viral inoculation, and examined for viral shedding and detection of viral antigens in the respiratory tract, histopathologic changes, and serum antibodies. Infectious virus was recovered from nasal swabs at postinoculation day (PID) 3 and disappeared by PID 10. Viral antigens were detected by immunofluorescence in epithelial cells of the nasal cavities, but not of the trachea and lungs from PID 3 to PID 10, and antibodies were detected after PID 7. Rabbits had no clinical manifestations and only exhibited a moderate increase in goblet cells of the nasal epithelium. In the transmission study, virus was recovered from one of three uninoculated rabbits at postexposure day (PED) 10 and antibodies were detected at PED 15 in the same rabbit. These data suggest that, although viral multiplication was limited to the nasal epithelium, laboratory rabbits are susceptible to Sendai virus infection.
Insights
Laboratory rabbits are susceptible to Sendai virus (SV) infection, with viral shedding limited to the nasal passages. This study details SV replication and immune response in rabbits, crucial for understanding viral pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Infectious Disease Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Sendai virus (SV) is a significant respiratory pathogen in various animal species.
- Understanding SV susceptibility and pathogenesis in laboratory animals is critical for research and disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of laboratory rabbits to Sendai virus (SV) infection.
- To characterize viral shedding, antigen distribution, histopathological changes, and antibody response following SV inoculation.
- To assess the potential for SV transmission between rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits were inoculated with SV (strain MN) or co-caged with infected animals.
- Viral shedding was monitored via nasal swabs.
- Viral antigens were detected using immunofluorescence.
- Histopathological examination of respiratory tissues was performed.
- Serum antibody levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Infectious SV was recovered from nasal swabs between postinoculation day (PID) 3 and PID 10.
- Viral antigens were localized to nasal epithelial cells from PID 3 to PID 10.
- Antibodies against SV were detected after PID 7.
- No significant clinical signs were observed, with only mild goblet cell hyperplasia in the nasal epithelium.
- Transmission to one naive rabbit occurred, with virus detected at postexposure day (PED) 10 and antibodies at PED 15.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory rabbits are susceptible to Sendai virus infection.
- Viral replication is primarily confined to the nasal epithelium.
- SV infection in rabbits is largely subclinical, with limited pathological findings.
- The study provides insights into SV pathogenesis and transmission dynamics in a common laboratory animal model.