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Rescue of a cytopathic paramyxovirus from peripheral blood leukocytes in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Abstract:
An infectious, cytopathic paramyxovirus was rescued from the peripheral blood leukocytes of a patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) by cocultivation procedures. Cells infected with the virus (1) demonstrated polykaryocytosis, (2) contained cytoplasmic inclusion bodies of paramyxoviral nucleocapsids, (3) hemadsorbed monkey erythrocytes, and (4) reacted with fluorescein-conjugated antisera to measles virus. On the basis of these observations, the virus was initially believed to be measles-like virus similar to those that have been rescued from other patients with SSPE. However, subsequent immunologic and molecular studies showed that the virus was distinct from measles virus and was more closely related to simian virus 5. These findings suggest that paramyxoviruses other than measles virus can be nonproductively carried by patients with SSPE and should not be designated as "measles like" or "measles related" solely on the basis of their biologic characteristics.
Insights
A paramyxovirus was isolated from a patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). Despite initial similarities to measles virus, further studies revealed it is a distinct virus, more closely related to simian virus 5.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive neurological disease.
- SSPE is caused by persistent infection with measles virus or related paramyxoviruses.
- Previous studies have isolated measles-like viruses from SSPE patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a paramyxovirus isolated from an SSPE patient.
- To determine the relationship of the isolated virus to measles virus and other paramyxoviruses.
Main Methods:
- Cocultivation of peripheral blood leukocytes from an SSPE patient.
- Viral characterization including polykaryocytosis, inclusion body formation, hemadsorption, and immunofluorescence.
- Immunologic and molecular studies for viral identification.
Main Results:
- An infectious, cytopathic paramyxovirus was isolated.
- The virus exhibited characteristics initially suggesting it was measles-like.
- Subsequent studies demonstrated the virus was distinct from measles virus and related to simian virus 5.
Conclusions:
- Paramyxoviruses other than measles virus can be carried by SSPE patients.
- Isolated viruses from SSPE should not be labeled "measles-like" or "measles-related" based solely on biological characteristics.
- This finding broadens the understanding of viral agents associated with SSPE.