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Coronavirus Infection in Ferrets: Antigen Distribution and Inflammatory Response
G Doria-Torra1, B Vidaña2, A Ramis3
1Servei de Diagnòstic de Patologia Veterinària (SDPV), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
This study details the inflammatory response in ferrets with ferret systemic coronavirus (FRSCV) infection. Macrophages play a key role in granulomatous lesions, with varying leukocyte proportions indicating lesion age, similar to feline infectious peritonitis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Ferret systemic coronavirus (FRSCV) causes multisystemic granulomatous lesions in ferrets.
- Understanding the inflammatory response is crucial for managing FRSCV infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the cellular composition of granulomatous lesions in FRSCV-infected ferrets.
- To correlate lesion type with cellular infiltrate and viral antigen expression.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological classification of granulomas (G, G-N, G-NL, DG).
- Immunohistochemistry for T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, and neutrophils.
- Assessment of viral antigen distribution.
Main Results:
- Macrophages were prominent in all granuloma types, with varying proportions of lymphocytes and neutrophils.
- Viral antigen expression decreased with lesion severity.
- Cellular composition varied across lesion types, suggesting different stages of inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages are central to the inflammatory response against FRSCV in ferrets.
- Leukocyte profiles indicate lesion age and progression.
- The disease pathogenesis shares similarities with feline infectious peritonitis.
