Isolation of a rickettsial organism (Eperythrozoon) from mice during virological testing of ixodid ticks
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Z Hubálek1, Z Juricová, J Halouzka
1Institute of Systematic and Ecological Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Brno.
Abstract:
A strain of Eperythrozoon (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) was isolated from suckling SPF mice (SM) inoculated with a homogenate of nymphal Ixodes ricinus (L.) ticks. The strain, passaged in the SM brain, was partially filterable through a 220-nm Millipore membrane, moderately sensitive to diethylether, and pathogenic for SM while no symptoms were observed in inoculated adult mice or male guinea pigs. A conspicuous cytopathic effect was produced in PS and SPEV (embryo pig kidney) stable cell lines. Both the cell cultures and SM could be used for the infectivity titration of the agent.
Insights
A novel Eperythrozoon strain was isolated from Ixodes ricinus ticks and passaged in suckling mice (SM). This agent caused disease in young mice but not adults or guinea pigs, and showed cytopathic effects in cell cultures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Eperythrozoon, a genus within Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae, has been identified.
- Ixodes ricinus ticks are known vectors of various pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel Eperythrozoon strain from Ixodes ricinus ticks.
- To determine the pathogenicity and biological properties of the isolated agent.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Eperythrozoon from nymphal Ixodes ricinus ticks.
- Inoculation of suckling SPF mice (SM) and subsequent passaging in the SM brain.
- Filtration studies using a 220-nm Millipore membrane.
- Sensitivity testing with diethylether.
- Inoculation of adult mice and male guinea pigs.
- In vitro studies using PS and SPEV cell lines.
- Infectivity titration in cell cultures and SM.
Main Results:
- A pathogenic Eperythrozoon strain was successfully isolated and passaged in SM.
- The agent was partially filterable (220-nm membrane) and moderately sensitive to diethylether.
- Pathogenicity was observed in SM, with no symptoms in adult mice or guinea pigs.
- Significant cytopathic effects were noted in PS and SPEV cell lines.
Conclusions:
- The isolated Eperythrozoon strain presents distinct biological and pathogenic characteristics.
- Both cell cultures (PS, SPEV) and suckling mice are suitable for infectivity titration.
- This study contributes to understanding Eperythrozoon infections and their vectors.