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Visualization of defective measles virus particles in cerebrospinal fluid in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
J Andersson1, A Ehrnst, P H Larsson
1Department of Immunology, Stockholm University, Sweden.
Abstract:
Measles virus particles were visualized in the CSF of two patients with verified subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) by using scanning electron microscopy. Immunologic identification of the accumulated particles was performed with monoclonal antibodies, directly conjugated to carboxylated microspheres, specific for different measles virus antigens. The beads were amassed on the filter surface after a 1-hr incubation in the CSF. Spherical particles with a diameter ranging between 150 and 500 nm were detected. Such particles bound specifically to latex beads covered by monoclonal antibodies to measles virus hemagglutinin but not to beads conjugated with monoclonal antibodies specific for nucleoprotein. Adding the two monoclonal antibodies to measles virus hemagglutinin to the CSF agglutinated the virus particles in a dose-dependent way. Further, no particles in the CSF bound to microspheres conjugated with monoclonal antibodies to non-related antigens of Sendai virus, cytomegalovirus, or human immunodeficiency virus. Similarly sized particles were also identified by transmission electron microscopy after concentrating the CSF.
Insights
Researchers visualized measles virus particles in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) patients using electron microscopy and immunologic identification. This confirms measles virus presence in SSPE patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, fatal neurological complication of measles virus infection.
- Diagnosis of SSPE often relies on clinical presentation and serological markers, with direct visualization of the virus being challenging.
Observation:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to visualize particles in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of two SSPE patients.
- Immunologic identification using monoclonal antibodies conjugated to microspheres was performed on these particles.
Findings:
- Spherical particles, 150-500 nm in diameter, were detected in the CSF.
- These particles specifically bound to antibodies targeting measles virus hemagglutinin, not nucleoprotein.
- The presence of measles virus particles was confirmed through dose-dependent agglutination and lack of binding to unrelated viral antigens.
Implications:
- Direct visualization and immunologic identification of measles virus particles in CSF provide definitive evidence for SSPE.
- This methodology could enhance diagnostic accuracy for SSPE.
- Understanding virus particle characteristics in SSPE may offer insights into disease pathogenesis.