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Published on: February 15, 2011
Experimentally segregated attenuated tick-borne encephalitis virus: altered behaviour after prolonged storage at
Acta Virologica
|May 1, 1980
Summary
Long-term storage of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) revealed genetic instability. Attenuated TBEV variants showed changes in virulence and plaque characteristics, indicating potential for genetic drift during preservation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a significant human pathogen.
- Attenuated TBEV strains are crucial for vaccine development and research.
- Long-term storage of viral stocks can impact their genetic stability and virulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stability of an attenuated western subtype TBEV strain during prolonged storage.
- To identify potential genetic alterations and phenotypic changes in TBEV after extended cryopreservation.
Main Methods:
- Clonal analysis of TBEV stocks stored for up to 14.5 years at 4°C and -14°C.
- Assessment of plaque morphology, thermostability, and virulence in mice and monkeys.
- Marker studies to evaluate genetic changes over time.
Main Results:
- A distinct inhomogeneity and decreased viral titer were observed in TBEV stocks after 8.7–9.6 years of storage.
- Clonal analysis revealed significant plaque polymorphism, increased thermo-resistance, and altered virulence in stored TBEV.
- Comparable changes were noted in TBEV materials stored for up to 14.5 years.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged storage, even with refrigeration interruptions, can lead to genetic instability in attenuated TBEV.
- The observed inhomogeneity suggests the presence of minor viral components with enhanced survival capabilities.
- Understanding TBEV variant stability is critical for maintaining the integrity of viral stocks for research and vaccine production.
