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Experimental encephalitis in monkeys caused by the Powassan virus
Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
This study compared two Powassan virus strains in monkeys, finding both caused identical experimental encephalitis. Powassan virus shows significant neurotropism, aiding in differentiating encephalitis causes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Powassan virus is an emerging tick-borne flavivirus.
- Encephalitis cases require etiological differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comparatively study experimental Powassan virus infection in Macaca rhesus monkeys.
- To characterize the pathogenicity and neurotropism of Powassan virus strains.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of monkeys with two Powassan virus strains (P-40 and LB).
- Clinical and pathomorphological evaluation of encephalitis.
- Electron microscopic examination of the central nervous system.
Main Results:
- Powassan virus was pathogenic for Macaca rhesus monkeys.
- Both strains induced identical clinical and pathomorphological encephalitis.
- Virus detected in neurons, glial cells, and intercellular spaces.
- Virions measured 37-45 nm, spherical shape, indicating identical morphology.
- Demonstrated marked neurotropism of the virus.
Conclusions:
- The P-40 and Canadian LB strains of Powassan virus produce identical experimental infections in monkeys.
- Powassan virus exhibits significant neurotropism.
- Findings aid in differentiating encephalitis cases not caused by spring-summer tick-borne encephalitis virus.