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Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Abdominal and Pelvic Organ Failure Induced by Intraperitoneal Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
Avishekh Gautam1, Madhav Akauliya1, Bikash Thapa2
1Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea.
Abstract:
In humans, respiratory infections with influenza A viruses can be lethal, but it is unclear whether non-respiratory influenza A infections can be equally lethal. Intraperitoneal infection makes the abdominal and pelvic organs accessible to pathogens because of the circulation of peritoneal fluid throughout the pelvis and abdomen. We found that high-dose intraperitoneal infection in mice with influenza A viruses resulted in severe sclerosis and structural damage in the pancreas, disruption of ovarian follicles, and massive infiltration of immune cells in the uterus. The intraperitoneal infections also caused robust upregulation of proinflammatory mediators including IL-6, BLC, and MIG. In addition, low-dose intraperitoneal infection with one influenza strain provided cross-protection against subsequent intraperitoneal or intranasal challenge with another influenza strain. Our results suggest that low-dose, non-respiratory administration might provide a route for influenza vaccination. Furthermore, these results provide insight on the pathological role of influenza A viruses in high-risk patients, including women and diabetic individuals.
Insights
Non-respiratory influenza A virus infection can cause severe organ damage in mice. However, low-dose infection may offer cross-protection, suggesting a potential new route for influenza vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Influenza A virus (IAV) respiratory infections are lethal in humans, but the lethality of non-respiratory IAV infections is unknown.
- Intraperitoneal infection allows pathogens access to abdominal and pelvic organs via peritoneal fluid circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological effects of high-dose intraperitoneal IAV infection in mice.
- To explore the potential of low-dose, non-respiratory IAV infection as a vaccination strategy.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected intraperitoneally with high or low doses of influenza A virus.
- Pathological changes in abdominal organs and immune responses were analyzed.
- Cross-protection against subsequent challenges was assessed.
Main Results:
- High-dose intraperitoneal IAV infection caused pancreatic sclerosis, ovarian follicle disruption, and uterine immune cell infiltration in mice.
- Proinflammatory mediators (IL-6, BLC, MIG) were upregulated.
- Low-dose infection conferred cross-protection against subsequent IAV challenges.
Conclusions:
- Non-respiratory influenza A virus infection can cause significant pathology in abdominal organs.
- Low-dose, non-respiratory IAV administration may represent a novel vaccination approach.
- Findings offer insights into IAV pathogenesis in at-risk populations, including women and diabetics.
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