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Attenuation of rhinovirus type 15: relation of illness to plaque size
Abstract:
Rhinovirus type 15 passaged three times in WI-38 cells produced illness in only one of 35 volunteers, but infection resulted in formation of significant quantities of antibodies in the serums of 100%, and in nasal secretions of 89%, of infected volunteers. The inoculum contained large- (60%) and small- (40%) plaque variants. "Purified" large- and small-plaque inocula were prepared, and each was administered to 20 volunteers. There was a significant association of illness with the small-plaque inocula (P < 0.01) but the incidence of infection, quantitative virus shedding patterns, and mean serum and nasal secretory antibodies were not significantly different between the two groups. These findings suggest that plaque size may be an in vitro marker of attenuation of illness production by rhinoviruses.
Insights
Rhinovirus plaque size may indicate illness potential. Small-plaque variants were linked to more illness in volunteers, though infection and antibody responses were similar across groups.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rhinoviruses are a common cause of respiratory illness.
- Understanding factors that influence rhinovirus virulence is crucial for disease prevention and treatment.
- Previous studies have not clearly defined the relationship between in vitro characteristics and in vivo illness production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between rhinovirus plaque size and the production of illness in human volunteers.
- To determine if plaque size influences infection rates, viral shedding, or antibody responses.
Main Methods:
- Rhinovirus type 15 was passaged in WI-38 cells.
- Volunteers were inoculated with either large- or small-plaque variants.
- Illness incidence, infection rates, viral shedding, and antibody levels (serum and nasal secretions) were monitored.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between small-plaque inocula and increased illness (P < 0.01).
- No significant differences were observed in infection incidence, viral shedding patterns, or antibody levels between groups.
- 100% of infected volunteers developed serum antibodies, and 89% developed nasal antibodies.
Conclusions:
- Rhinovirus plaque size may serve as an in vitro marker for predicting the potential to cause illness.
- Small plaque size is associated with increased rhinovirus-induced illness, independent of infection and immune response.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical utility of plaque size as a virulence indicator.