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Modoc viral infections in the deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus
Abstract:
The pathogenesis of Modoc virus and its mechanism of transmission were investigated in Peromyscus maniculatus gambeli (deer mouse) as a model to understand the natural history of this virus. Animals were readily infected by the intranasal or subcutaneous route of inoculation. Virus could be detected by direct isolation techniques in many organs and body fluids during the first 7 to 9 days after intranasal inoculation. Increases in viral titers were detectable first in lungs and then the spleen, salivary-submaxillary glands, and lymph nodes. Viremias were low titered and ephemeral. Virus was recovered from urine and throat swabs 4 to 6 days and 4 to 7 days after inoculation, respectively. Serum dilution neutralization, hemagglutination inhibition, or complement fixation antibodies were detected in sera of some animals 13 days after infection and in all animals after 20 days. Antibodies persisted for the 168-day period of observation. Persistent viral infection was demonstrable by in vitro culturing of lungs or pooled lungs, salivary glands, and kidneys from 14 of 69 mice that were sacrificed from 1 to 6 months after intranasal inoculation. Attempts to demonstrate horizontal or vertical transmission of Modoc virus among mice were generally unsuccessful. Female deer mice infected with virus before mating passed maternal antibodies to their young.
Insights
Modoc virus readily infects deer mice, spreading to organs and fluids within days. Persistent infections occur, but horizontal and vertical transmission are limited, though maternal antibodies are passed to offspring.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pathogenesis
- Mammalian Disease Models
Background:
- Understanding Modoc virus natural history is crucial.
- Peromyscus maniculatus gambeli (deer mouse) serves as a model organism.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate Modoc virus pathogenesis.
- Elucidate Modoc virus transmission mechanisms in deer mice.
Main Methods:
- Intranasal and subcutaneous inoculation of deer mice.
- Virus isolation from organs and body fluids.
- Serological assays for antibody detection (neutralization, HI, CF).
- In vitro culturing for persistent infection detection.
Main Results:
- Rapid systemic viral dissemination post-inoculation.
- Ephemeral viremia and transient shedding in urine and throat.
- Antibody development by day 13-20, persisting for 168 days.
- Persistent infection demonstrated in organs up to 6 months post-inoculation.
- Limited evidence of horizontal or vertical transmission.
Conclusions:
- Deer mice are susceptible to Modoc virus via multiple routes.
- Persistent Modoc virus infection is established in deer mice.
- Maternal antibody transfer occurs, but horizontal/vertical transmission is inefficient.