Characterization of a paramyxovirus isolated from the brain of a piglet in Mexico
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Abstract:
A virus morphologically resembling members of the family Paramyxoviridae has been isolated from the brain of a piglet with a central nervous disorder accompanied by pneumonia and corneal opacity. The virus, designated LPM, grows in a large variety of cultured cell types and elicits a cytopathic effect including formation of syncytia and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. The virus has hemagglutinating, neuraminidase and hemolytic activities. Studies on experimental transmission showed that young pigs are susceptible to infection which induced a disease similar to that in natural cases. The virus killed mice and chicken embryos. The structural proteins of LPM virus, as resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis are similar to those described for other paramyxoviruses. Serologically the virus proved to be distinct from the paramyxoviruses tested so far.
Insights
A novel paramyxovirus, LPM virus, was isolated from a piglet with neurological disease. This virus causes disease in pigs and other animals, showing distinct serological properties.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Paramyxoviridae viruses cause significant diseases in various animal species.
- Central nervous disorders in piglets can have diverse etiologies, impacting animal health and agriculture.
- Viral isolation and characterization are crucial for understanding and controlling emerging animal diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel virus from a piglet exhibiting neurological signs, pneumonia, and corneal opacity.
- To determine the biological and structural properties of the isolated virus.
- To assess the pathogenicity and host range of the novel virus.
Main Methods:
- Virus isolation from affected piglet brain tissue.
- Cell culture propagation and observation of cytopathic effects (syncytia, inclusion bodies).
- Hemagglutination, neuraminidase, and hemolytic activity assays.
- Experimental transmission studies in young pigs.
- Inoculation of mice and chicken embryos.
- Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for structural protein analysis.
- Serological testing against known paramyxoviruses.
Main Results:
- Isolation of a virus, designated LPM, from a piglet with central nervous disorder and respiratory signs.
- LPM virus demonstrated broad cell culture tropism and induced syncytia and cytoplasmic inclusions.
- The virus exhibited hemagglutinating, neuraminidase, and hemolytic activities.
- Experimental infection in pigs reproduced clinical signs similar to natural cases; mice and chicken embryos were susceptible.
- PAGE analysis revealed structural proteins consistent with paramyxoviruses.
- Serological tests indicated LPM virus is distinct from previously tested paramyxoviruses.
Conclusions:
- A novel paramyxovirus, LPM virus, was identified and characterized.
- LPM virus is pathogenic in pigs, causing neurological and respiratory disease, and affects other animal models.
- The distinct serological profile suggests LPM virus represents a new antigenic type within or related to the Paramyxoviridae family.