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The relationship between route of infection and minimum infectious dose: studies with lactate dehydrogenase-elevating
1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion 57069.
Abstract:
At present there is incomplete knowledge concerning the relationship of route of infection to minimum infectious dose (MID) for viruses of humans or other animals. The present work has used lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus (LDV) as a mouse model for this relationship. The data establish a relative mucosal barrier to LDV transmission, which is more effective at oral, ocular and vaginal sites, than at the rectal site of inoculation.
Insights
Understanding how infection route affects the minimum infectious dose (MID) is crucial. This study used lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus (LDV) in mice to show mucosal barriers vary by inoculation site.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Disease Transmission
Background:
- The relationship between infection route and the minimum infectious dose (MID) for viral pathogens remains poorly understood.
- Establishing this link is vital for public health and animal health strategies.
- Current knowledge gaps hinder effective prevention and control measures for various viral diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of inoculation route on the minimum infectious dose (MID) of a virus.
- To characterize the efficacy of mucosal barriers at different sites against viral entry.
- To utilize a mouse model for studying host-pathogen interactions related to transmission routes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus (LDV) as a model virus in a murine system.
- Administered LDV via different inoculation routes, including oral, ocular, vaginal, and rectal.
- Assessed viral transmission and infectivity based on the route of exposure.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a significant variation in susceptibility to LDV based on the route of infection.
- Identified a relative mucosal barrier to LDV transmission across different inoculation sites.
- Found that oral, ocular, and vaginal routes presented a more effective barrier compared to the rectal route.
Conclusions:
- The route of viral inoculation significantly impacts the minimum infectious dose (MID).
- Mucosal barriers exhibit differential effectiveness in preventing viral transmission depending on the site.
- Rectal inoculation appears to be a less restricted route for LDV entry compared to oral, ocular, or vaginal routes in this model.
