[Marburg virus and mononuclear phagocytes: study of interactions]

Interactions of Marburg virus and mononuclear phagocytes of guinea pigs were studied using a complex of virologic methods and electron microscopy. Active reproduction of Marburg virus in peritoneal macrophages both in vitro and in vivo was revealed. The study showed that mononuclear phagocytes were the first target cells in guinea pigs intraperitoneally infected with Marburg virus which provided virus dissemination into interstitial tissue of viscera. Analysis of the results indicates an important role of viral alteration of mononuclear phagocytes in the pathogenesis of Marburg disease.