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Encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus infection in the common vole, Microtus arvalis
1Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus infection in the common vole was examined for the first time. Sixteen 8-week-old males inoculated intraperitoneally with 10(5) plaque-forming units (pfu)/animal of the D variant of EMC virus were killed 3 and 7 days after inoculation (3 and 7 DAI). Viral replication was detected in the brain (10(5) pfu/g), heart (10(4) pfu/g) and pancreas (10(7) pfu/g) of all 8 animals at 3DAI. It was found in the pancreas (10(3) pfu/g) of all 8 animals and in the brain (10(4) pfu/g) of 2 of 8 animals at 7 DAI. Histopathological changes were observed in the brain (mild mononuclear cell infiltration around capillaries and sporadic pyknosis of neurons), heart (minimal myocardial necrosis) and pancreas (prominent acinar cell necrosis with inflammatory exudation) at 3DAI. At 7 DAI, replacement of necrotic tissues by mesenchymal cells and regeneration of acinar cells were conspicuous in the pancreas. Throughout the experimental period, no evidence for diabetogenic effect was found.
Insights
Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) infects common voles, replicating in the brain, heart, and pancreas. Histopathological changes were observed, but no diabetogenic effect was found.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is a known pathogen affecting various animal species.
- The susceptibility and pathological effects of EMCV in common voles (Microtus arvalis) have not been previously documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of common voles to EMCV infection.
- To characterize the viral replication and associated histopathological changes in different organs following EMCV inoculation.
Main Methods:
- Eight-week-old male common voles were inoculated intraperitoneally with EMCV (D variant).
- Viral loads were quantified in brain, heart, and pancreas at 3 and 7 days post-inoculation (DAI).
- Histopathological examinations of these organs were performed at 3 and 7 DAI.
Main Results:
- EMCV replicated in the brain, heart, and pancreas by 3 DAI, with highest titers in the pancreas.
- Viral presence persisted in the pancreas and brain at 7 DAI.
- Histopathological findings included mononuclear cell infiltration and neuronal pyknosis in the brain, minimal myocardial necrosis in the heart, and significant acinar cell necrosis in the pancreas.
Conclusions:
- Common voles are susceptible to EMCV infection, exhibiting viral replication and significant pancreatic pathology.
- The pancreas showed prominent necrosis and subsequent regeneration, while brain and heart displayed milder changes.
- No evidence of a diabetogenic effect was observed during the study period.