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Viremia and immune response with sequential phlebovirus infections
Summary
Sequential phlebovirus infections in hamsters revealed that prior exposure, particularly to Arumowot and Chagres viruses, offered cross-protection against severe Gabek Forest virus disease. Antibody response remained monotypic despite multiple infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Phleboviruses are known to cause various diseases in mammals.
- Understanding the impact of sequential infections is crucial for predicting disease severity and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sequential infections with Arumowot, Chagres, and Gabek Forest viruses in hamsters.
- To evaluate survival rates, viremia levels, and immune responses following different infection orders.
- To determine the presence and extent of cross-protection and potential immunopathologic events.
Main Methods:
- Four groups of hamsters were infected sequentially with combinations of Arumowot, Chagres, and Gabek Forest viruses.
- Survival, viremia, and antibody responses (plaque reduction neutralization test) were monitored after each infection.
- Animals were assessed for signs of disease and immune enhancement.
Main Results:
- All tested phleboviruses induced viremia in hamsters, irrespective of the infection sequence.
- Antibody responses were monotypic, even after two sequential phlebovirus infections.
- Gabek Forest virus caused fatal disease in naive hamsters but was less severe in those previously infected with Arumowot or Chagres viruses, indicating cross-protection.
- The degree of cross-protection depended on the sequence of prior infections.
Conclusions:
- Sequential phlebovirus infections in hamsters can elicit cross-protective immunity.
- The sequence of infections influences the severity of subsequent Gabek Forest virus disease.
- No immune enhancement or immunopathologic events were observed in this study.