EVALUATING THE IMPACTS OF COINFECTION ON IMMUNE SYSTEM FUNCTION OF THE DEER MOUSE ( PEROMYSCUS MANICULATUS) USING SIN
Erin M Lehmer1, Kathryn Lavengood1, Mason Miller1
11 Department of Biology, Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, Colorado 81301, USA.
Abstract:
: Simultaneous infections with multiple pathogens can alter the function of the host's immune system, often resulting in additive or synergistic morbidity. We examined how coinfection with the common pathogens Sin Nombre virus (SNV) and Bartonella sp. affected aspects of the adaptive and innate immune responses of wild deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus). Adaptive immunity was assessed by measuring SNV antibody production; innate immunity was determined by measuring levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in blood and the complement activity of plasma. Coinfected mice had reduced plasma complement activity and higher levels of CRP compared to mice infected with either SNV or Bartonella. However, antibody titers of deer mice infected with SNV were more than double those of coinfected mice. Plasma complement activity and CRP levels did not differ between uninfected deer mice and those infected with only Bartonella, suggesting that comorbid SNV and Bartonella infections act synergistically, altering the innate immune response. Collectively, our results indicated that the immune response of deer mice coinfected with both SNV and Bartonella differed substantially from individuals infected with only one of these pathogens. Results of our study provided unique, albeit preliminary, insight into the impacts of coinfection on immune system function in wild animal hosts and underscore the complexity of the immune pathways that exist in coinfected hosts.
Insights
Coinfection with Sin Nombre virus (SNV) and Bartonella sp. in deer mice significantly alters immune responses. These combined infections synergistically impact innate immunity, reducing complement activity and increasing C-reactive protein levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathogen Interactions
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Background:
- Simultaneous infections with multiple pathogens can lead to additive or synergistic negative health outcomes in hosts.
- Understanding how coinfections impact host immune systems is crucial for wildlife health and disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of coinfection with Sin Nombre virus (SNV) and Bartonella sp. on the adaptive and innate immune responses of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus).
- To determine if coinfection with SNV and Bartonella sp. results in synergistic or additive alterations to immune function compared to single infections.
Main Methods:
- Assessed adaptive immunity by measuring SNV-specific antibody production.
- Determined innate immunity by quantifying C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in blood and measuring plasma complement activity.
- Compared immune parameters in deer mice with single infections (SNV or Bartonella) and coinfections.
Main Results:
- Coinfected mice exhibited reduced plasma complement activity and elevated CRP levels compared to singly infected mice.
- SNV antibody titers were significantly lower in coinfected mice than in mice infected solely with SNV.
- No significant differences in plasma complement activity or CRP levels were observed between uninfected mice and those infected only with Bartonella.
Conclusions:
- Coinfection with SNV and Bartonella sp. synergistically alters the innate immune response in deer mice, impacting complement activity and CRP levels.
- The immune response to coinfection differs substantially from responses to single infections, highlighting the complexity of immune pathways in coinfected hosts.
- These findings provide preliminary insights into the complex interactions of coinfections on immune system function in wild animal populations.
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