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Light and electron microscope observation of virus-induced Tetrahymena pyriformis in newborn mice (Mus musculus
J Teras1, R Entzeroth, E Scholtyseck
1Protozoology Department, Academy of Sciences of the Estonian S.S.R., Tallinn.
Abstract:
Newborn mice were infected intracerebrally with abacterial cultures of the GL strain of Tetrahymena pyriformis, induced experimentally six years ago in vitro with Coxsackie B-5 virus. In the brain of the test animals there were pathologic changes similar to those found in the primary investigation of the pathogenicity of this strain, i.e., after 96 h of contact with the virus. Thus, the pathogenicity acquired by T. pyriformis, as well as the persistence of Coxsackie B-5 virus in this ciliate, can be considered stable. Despite such specific changes in the biological properties of T. pyriformis, the changes were not reflected in the morphology of the protozoon, which was investigated by means of light and electron microscopy.
Insights
Pathogenic Tetrahymena pyriformis, altered by Coxsackie B-5 virus, caused brain changes in newborn mice. This acquired pathogenicity and virus persistence in the protozoa remained stable over time.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Protozoology
Background:
- Tetrahymena pyriformis is a ciliate protozoon.
- Coxsackie B-5 virus is an enterovirus.
- Investigating inter-species pathogenicity and viral persistence is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the stable pathogenicity of Tetrahymena pyriformis (GL strain) after experimental induction with Coxsackie B-5 virus.
- To evaluate the persistence of Coxsackie B-5 virus within T. pyriformis.
- To examine morphological changes in T. pyriformis following viral induction.
Main Methods:
- Intracerebral infection of newborn mice with abacterial cultures of GL strain T. pyriformis.
- Experimental induction of T. pyriformis with Coxsackie B-5 virus in vitro.
- Pathological examination of mouse brain tissue.
- Light and electron microscopy of T. pyriformis.
Main Results:
- Infection with the altered T. pyriformis strain induced pathological brain changes in mice, similar to initial findings.
- The acquired pathogenicity of T. pyriformis and the persistence of Coxsackie B-5 virus within the ciliate were stable.
- No morphological alterations in T. pyriformis were observed via light and electron microscopy despite biological property changes.
Conclusions:
- The pathogenicity acquired by T. pyriformis through Coxsackie B-5 virus induction is stable.
- Coxsackie B-5 virus can persist stably within T. pyriformis.
- Viral induction does not alter the morphology of T. pyriformis.