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Published on: September 7, 2017
Pathogenesis of Aleutian Mink Disease Virus Infection-Comparison of Natural Transmission with Experimental Aerosol
Mette Sif Hansen1, Mariann Chriél1, Lars Erik Larsen1
1National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
Abstract:
Though intraperitoneal (IP) inoculation is not the natural pathway of Aleutian Mink Disease Virus (AMDV) infection in mink, it is frequently used experimentally. To investigate AMDV pathogenesis, we compared the effects of IP, aerosol (AE), and natural infection in mink. Forty-six sapphire mink were divided into groups: negative controls, IP and AE AMDV-inoculated mink, and sentinels exposed to IP-inoculated mink for two-week periods. Mink in the control, IP, and AE groups were euthanized 2, 5, or 10 weeks post-inoculation. The mink were tested for AMDV antibodies and by PCR on serum samples throughout the study, and by PCR and histology in organs after euthanasia. The sentinel mink were introduced to determine when the risk of natural transmission was highest. AMDV was detected in the sentinels exposed during weeks 3-6, indicating that AMDV transmission risk is highest early in infection, before antibody-positive animals can be detected on the farm. Infection in the AE group progressed more gradually than in the IP group, which developed more pronounced lesions and higher viral loads in the liver. Compared to IP inoculation, the aerosol model provides a superior experimental approach for studying natural infection and transmission of AMDV.
Insights
Intraperitoneal (IP) inoculation is a common experimental method for studying Aleutian Mink Disease Virus (AMDV). However, aerosol (AE) infection in mink offers a more accurate model for understanding natural AMDV infection and transmission dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Infectious Disease Pathogenesis
- Animal Models
Background:
- Aleutian Mink Disease Virus (AMDV) poses a significant threat to mink farming.
- Intraperitoneal (IP) inoculation is a common but unnatural route for experimental AMDV infection.
- Understanding natural AMDV transmission is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pathogenesis and transmission of AMDV following intraperitoneal (IP) and aerosol (AE) inoculation in mink.
- To identify the optimal experimental model for studying AMDV infection and transmission.
- To determine the period of highest AMDV transmission risk in experimentally infected mink.
Main Methods:
- Forty-six sapphire mink were divided into control, IP-inoculated, AE-inoculated, and sentinel groups.
- Mink were monitored for AMDV antibodies and viral RNA via PCR in serum and organs.
- Histopathology was performed on organs post-euthanasia at 2, 5, and 10 weeks.
- Sentinel mink were used to assess natural transmission risk.
Main Results:
- AMDV transmission was detected in sentinel mink exposed during weeks 3-6 post-inoculation, indicating early high transmission risk.
- Aerosol-inoculated mink exhibited a more gradual disease progression compared to IP-inoculated mink.
- IP inoculation resulted in more severe liver lesions and higher viral loads in mink compared to AE inoculation.
Conclusions:
- Aerosol inoculation provides a superior experimental model for studying natural Aleutian Mink Disease Virus infection and transmission.
- Early-stage infection presents the highest risk for AMDV transmission, preceding detectable antibody responses.
- The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate experimental models for accurate disease research.
