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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Aleutian disease in mink: virology, immunology and pathogenesis
Abstract:
Aleutian disease is an immunological disease of mink caused by a persistent virus infection. Recently Aleutian disease viral antigen has been extracted from tissue of mink early in the course of infection and the Aleutian disease virus has been isolated. The virus particles were similar in morphology and size to certain parvovirus having a 23 nm diameter, spherical shape and icosahedral capsid. Recent developments in serological techniques, i.e. immunofluorescence, complement fixation, countercurrent electrophoresis and immunodiffusion, have enabled rapid progress toward understanding the nature of the disease. It is suggested that the hypergammaglobulinemia is due to overproduction of IgG antibody specific for the Aleutian disease virus. The glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, positive antiglobulin test, systemic proliferation of lymphocytes and generalized plasmacytosis in Aleutian disease are believed to be the results of a continuing host antiviral immune response, the persistence of the virus in the presence of high level of specific antibody and the formation and deposition of the immune complexes.
Insights
Aleutian disease in mink is caused by a persistent parvovirus infection. The disease involves immune responses, leading to immune complex deposition and organ damage.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Aleutian disease is an immunological disorder in mink.
- It is caused by a persistent viral infection.
- The virus shares characteristics with parvoviruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the Aleutian disease virus and understand its pathogenesis.
- To investigate the host immune response to the persistent viral infection.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and morphological characterization of the Aleutian disease virus.
- Application of serological techniques including immunofluorescence, complement fixation, countercurrent electrophoresis, and immunodiffusion.
- Analysis of pathological findings such as glomerulonephritis and vasculitis.
Main Results:
- The Aleutian disease virus was isolated and found to be a parvovirus (23 nm diameter, spherical, icosahedral capsid).
- Viral antigens were detected early in mink tissues.
- Serological advancements facilitated progress in understanding the disease.
- Hypergammaglobulinemia is linked to IgG antibody production against the virus.
Conclusions:
- Aleutian disease pathogenesis involves a persistent host antiviral immune response.
- Immune complex formation and deposition, driven by persistent virus and high antibody levels, cause tissue damage.
- The observed pathologies (glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, etc.) result from these immune complex-mediated processes.
