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[Modeling of mixed infection by tick-borne encephalitis and Powassan viruses in mice]
Abstract:
Simultaneous inoculation of mice with tick-borne and Powassan viruses was shown, depending on experimental conditions, to result either in stimulation of infection or its unchanged course as compared with monoinfection and inoculation with the viruses at 2--3-week intervals in cross protection of mice against the superinfecting virus. Simultaneous inoculation of mice with the two viruses was accompanied by their multiplication in the blood and brains of mice and formation of antihemagglutinating antibodies to each of them. In the virus population in the brains of mice there was either formation of a mixture of two viruses or their phenotypic mixing. In cross protection, multiplication of the superinfecting virus in the blood and brain of mice was slightly inhibited, the antihemagglutinating antibody to a second virus either did not form or appeared in low titres.
Insights
Simultaneous infection with tick-borne and Powassan viruses can either enhance or not alter infections in mice. Cross-protection studies revealed limited inhibition of superinfecting virus multiplication and antibody formation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Tick-borne viruses pose significant public health risks.
- Understanding viral interactions is crucial for disease management.
- Powassan virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus are significant pathogens.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effects of simultaneous inoculation with tick-borne and Powassan viruses in mice.
- To compare simultaneous infection with sequential infection and monoinfection.
- To analyze viral multiplication, antibody response, and potential for phenotypic mixing.
Summary:
- Simultaneous inoculation of mice with tick-borne and Powassan viruses resulted in either enhanced infection or an unchanged course compared to monoinfection.
- Viral multiplication in blood and brain, along with antibody formation, occurred with simultaneous inoculation.
- Cross-protection studies showed slight inhibition of superinfecting virus and reduced antibody titers.
Impact:
- Findings shed light on the complex interactions between co-infecting tick-borne viruses.
- Results contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of Powassan virus and related encephalitis viruses.
- This research may inform strategies for managing tick-borne viral infections.