[Enterovirus type 71 pathogenicity for laboratory animals].

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pathology

Context:

• Poliomyelitis-like infection outbreak in Bulgaria, 1975.
• Enterovirus 71 (E71) strains isolated from human cases.

Purpose:

• To characterize the pathogenicity of Bulgarian E71 strains.
• To compare E71's properties with other enteroviruses in animal models.

Summary:

• Bulgarian E71 strains induced paralytic disease in cotton rats, mice, and monkeys.
• Animal models showed myotropic and neurotropic properties similar to Coxsackie A viruses.
• Infection in monkeys mirrored severe human cases, with tremors, convulsions, and death.

Impact:

• Provides insights into E71 pathogenesis and its similarity to other enteroviruses.
• Establishes animal models for studying E71-induced disease.
• Informs understanding of enterovirus outbreaks and disease severity.