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Isolation of rubella virus from human lymphocytes after acute natural infection
Abstract:
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from three patients (a mother and her two children) with acute natural rubella were obtained five to nine days after the onset of rash. After mitogenic stimulation for three days in culture, the PBMCs were cocultivated with rabbit kidney cells (cell line RK13) at 35 C. Widespread cytopathologic effects on the monolayer were apparent by day 7 after cocultivation, and analysis of the supernatant revealed titers of 10(7) plaque-forming units of rubella virus (RV)/ml. Viral particles were also detected by electron microscopy, and the major RV polypeptides were shown to be present by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. One month later an identical study showed that neither RV polypeptides nor infectious virus was present in the PBMCs, a result which indicated that lymphocyte viremia had been controlled.
Insights
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from rubella patients showed controlled lymphocyte viremia. Infectious rubella virus (RV) was detected initially but absent one month later, indicating viral clearance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rubella virus (RV) infection can lead to acute illness.
- Understanding viral persistence and clearance in lymphocytes is crucial for rubella management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and clearance of rubella virus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with acute natural rubella.
Main Methods:
- PBMCs were isolated from three rubella patients post-rash onset.
- Cells were cultured and stimulated, then co-cultivated with rabbit kidney cells (RK13).
- Viral presence was assessed via plaque assays, electron microscopy, and SDS-PAGE for viral polypeptides.
Main Results:
- High titers of infectious rubella virus (10^7 PFU/ml) were isolated from PBMCs within days of rash onset.
- Viral particles and major RV polypeptides were detected in initial PBMC cultures.
- One month later, infectious RV and viral polypeptides were undetectable in PBMCs, indicating viral clearance.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocyte viremia in acute natural rubella is transient.
- The immune system effectively controls and clears rubella virus from PBMCs within a month.