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Mousepox in inbred mice innately resistant or susceptible to lethal infection with ectromelia virus. I. Clinical
Abstract:
Clinical responses to infection with ectromelia virus strain NIH-79 were determined in several strains of inbred mice. All mice were equally susceptible to infection, but mortality was strain dependent. BALB/c AnNCr, A/JNCr, DBA/2NCr and C3H/He/NCr MTV- mice were highly susceptible to lethal infection whereas AKR/NCr and SJL/NCr mice were moderately susceptible and C57BL/6NCr mice were highly resistant. Death rates were influenced strongly by virus dose and by route of inoculation. High doses were associated with early and high mortality. For a given dose, intraperitoneal inoculation resulted in the highest mortality and death rates were progressively reduced in mice inoculated by the footpad, subcutaneous and intranasal routes. Footpad swelling was prominent in resistant mice and in survivors among susceptible strains. Deaths among AKR and SJL mice were sporadic and often occurred late irrespective of virus dose. It is suggested that this pattern could be influenced by secondary contact infections or by immunologic injury associated with host responses to ectromelia virus.
Insights
Mouse strain significantly impacts ectromelia virus mortality, with C57BL/6NCr mice showing high resistance. Virus dose and inoculation route also influence ectromelia virus infection outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Ectromelia virus causes mousepox, a disease with variable outcomes.
- Understanding host genetic factors influencing disease severity is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the clinical responses and mortality rates of different inbred mouse strains infected with ectromelia virus strain NIH-79.
- To investigate the influence of virus dose and inoculation route on ectromelia virus pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Infection of multiple inbred mouse strains with ectromelia virus strain NIH-79.
- Varying virus doses and inoculation routes (intraperitoneal, footpad, subcutaneous, intranasal).
- Monitoring and recording mortality rates and clinical signs, including footpad swelling.
Main Results:
- All mouse strains were equally susceptible to ectromelia virus infection, but mortality was strain-dependent.
- BALB/c, A/J, DBA/2, and C3H/He mice were highly susceptible; AKR and SJL were moderately susceptible; C57BL/6 mice were highly resistant.
- Higher virus doses and intraperitoneal inoculation led to increased mortality. Footpad swelling was observed in resistant mice and survivors.
Conclusions:
- Mouse strain genetics play a critical role in determining the outcome of ectromelia virus infection.
- Virus dose and route of inoculation are significant factors modulating ectromelia virus lethality.
- Late, sporadic deaths in some strains may suggest secondary infections or immunopathology.