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Related Experiment Videos

A newly identified hepatitis B type virus in tree squirrels.

M A Feitelson, I Millman, T Halbherr

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
    |April 1, 1986
    PubMed
    Summary

    Gray tree squirrels infected with a hepatitis B-like virus were identified, showing virus particles and antigens in their livers. These findings suggest squirrels may be chronic carriers, offering insights into human hepatitis B infections.

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    Area of Science:

    • Hepatology
    • Virology
    • Comparative Pathology

    Background:

    • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
    • Understanding chronic HBV carrier states is crucial for developing effective treatments.
    • Animal models can provide valuable insights into human viral diseases.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the presence of virus-associated particles in gray tree squirrels with hepatitis.
    • To characterize the isolated viral particles and their antigens.
    • To explore the potential of tree squirrels as a model for studying chronic hepatitis B.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation and purification of virus-associated particles from squirrel liver tissue.
    • Density gradient centrifugation to determine particle density.

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  • Assays for surface antigen, core antigen, and DNA polymerase activity.
  • Electron microscopy for particle visualization.
  • Gel electrophoresis for DNA polymerase product analysis.
  • Solid-phase assays to detect cross-reacting antibodies in squirrel sera.

    • Main Results:

    • Virus-associated particles with a density peak of 1.27 g/cm³ were isolated from infected squirrel livers.
    • Particles exhibited spherical morphology (25 nm diameter) and contained surface antigen, core antigen, and DNA polymerase activity.
    • DNA polymerase product analysis showed a unique DNase I-sensitive band.
    • Squirrel sera demonstrated cross-reacting antibodies to hepatitis B antigens.
    • No detectable viral antigen was found in the sera of infected squirrels.

    Conclusions:

    • Gray tree squirrels harbor a hepatitis B-like virus, acting as chronic carriers.
    • The isolated virus shares characteristics with human hepatitis B virus.
    • This host-virus interaction may serve as a valuable model for understanding chronic hepatitis B in humans.