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Virulence of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus subtypes for various laboratory hosts
Abstract:
Mice, guinea pigs, and duck embryo cell cultures were inoculated with known subtypes of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus and the attenuated (TC-83) strain of VEE. With the exception of TC-83, all strains were highly pathogenic for suckling mice by either intracranial or intraperitoneal routes of inoculation used. Virulence for older mice and guinea pigs provided a means to distinguish strains. In addition, virulence or lack of virulence for adult mice or guinea pigs provides a rapid method for separating epizootic subtype IB from TC-83 VEE virus isolates.
Insights
Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus strains, except for the attenuated TC-83, are highly pathogenic in young mice. Virulence in adult mice and guinea pigs effectively differentiates VEE virus subtypes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pathogen Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) is a significant arboviral disease.
- Understanding VEE virus strain pathogenicity is crucial for disease control.
- The attenuated TC-83 strain is a live-attenuated vaccine candidate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pathogenicity of different Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus subtypes in various animal models.
- To identify rapid methods for distinguishing between pathogenic VEE virus strains and the attenuated TC-83 vaccine strain.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of mice (suckling and adult), guinea pigs, and duck embryo cell cultures with known VEE virus subtypes and the TC-83 strain.
- Assessment of mortality and virulence following intracranial and intraperitoneal inoculation routes.
Main Results:
- All tested VEE virus strains, except TC-83, demonstrated high pathogenicity in suckling mice.
- Virulence in adult mice and guinea pigs varied among strains, enabling differentiation.
- Pathogenicity differences in adult animals provided a rapid method to distinguish epizootic subtype IB from TC-83.
Conclusions:
- Virulence assays in adult mice and guinea pigs serve as effective tools for differentiating VEE virus strains.
- These findings aid in the rapid identification and characterization of VEE virus isolates, crucial for epidemiological surveillance and vaccine development.