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Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
[Umifenovir (Arbidol) efficacy in experimental mixed viral and bacterial pneumonia of mice]
Abstract:
Pneumonia often occurs as a secondary infection after influenza and accounts for a large proportion of the morbidity and mortality associated with seasonal and pandemic influenza outbreaks. The efficacy of umifenovir (Arbidol) was investigated on a murine model of S. aureus pneumonia following A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) influenza virusinfection. Oral treatment with umifenovir (40 and 60 mg/kg/day) in all the contamination schemes increased the survival rate in the mice from 0% to 90% and lowered the animal weight loss. The umifenovir treatment also decreased the virus titer by ≥ 2 logs and the viable bacteria counts in the lungs of the mice. The lungs of the mice treated with umifenovir had less severe histopathologic lesions compared to the control group.
Insights
Umifenovir significantly improved survival rates in mice with secondary bacterial pneumonia after influenza infection. This antiviral treatment reduced viral load, bacterial counts, and lung damage, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- * Virology and Infectious Diseases
- * Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine
- * Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Background:
- * Influenza virus infections frequently lead to secondary bacterial pneumonia, a major cause of severe illness and death.
- * Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia following influenza poses a significant clinical challenge.
- * Effective treatments for influenza-associated bacterial pneumonia are critically needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To evaluate the efficacy of umifenovir (Arbidol) in a murine model of Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia secondary to influenza A virus (H1N1) infection.
- * To assess the impact of umifenovir on survival, viral load, bacterial burden, and lung pathology.
Main Methods:
- * A murine model was established by infecting mice with A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) influenza virus, followed by challenge with Staphylococcus aureus.
- * Mice were orally treated with umifenovir at doses of 40 and 60 mg/kg/day.
- * Outcomes measured included survival rates, weight loss, lung virus titers, bacterial counts, and histopathological examination of lung tissue.
Main Results:
- * Umifenovir treatment (40 and 60 mg/kg/day) dramatically increased survival rates from 0% to 90% across different infection schemes.
- * Treated mice exhibited reduced weight loss, significantly decreased influenza virus titers (≥ 2 logs), and lower viable bacterial counts in the lungs.
- * Histopathological analysis revealed less severe lung lesions in umifenovir-treated mice compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- * Umifenovir demonstrates significant therapeutic efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia complicating influenza infection in a murine model.
- * The drug effectively reduces viral load and bacterial burden, leading to improved survival and attenuated lung pathology.
- * Umifenovir presents a promising treatment option for secondary bacterial pneumonia following influenza virus infection.
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