Related Experiment Videos
Persistence of polyomavirus in mice infected as adults differs from that observed in mice infected as newborns
1Department of Clinical Virology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm County Council, Sweden.
Abstract:
By using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, a technique more sensitive than Southern analysis, which allows detection of polyomavirus DNA only in newborn and nude adult mice, it has now been possible to monitor the persistence pattern of polyomavirus DNA after infection of normal adult CBA mice for the first time. Viral signs appeared gradually, showing variations in time course and organ distribution between mice, and reached a peak activity after 2 to 3 weeks, when they could be found in bone, heart, gonads, lymph node, and skin, but disappeared by 2 to 5 months. No virus DNA was detected in the kidneys or lungs, which is in contrast to what is observed after infection of newborn mice. This finding suggests that the persistence pattern of polyomavirus is age dependent.
Insights
Polyomavirus DNA persists in adult mice for 2-5 months, with organ distribution varying by age. This study used sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to track viral DNA persistence.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Polyomavirus DNA detection was previously limited to newborn and nude adult mice using Southern analysis.
- The persistence patterns of polyomavirus in immunocompetent adult mice remained largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the persistence pattern of polyomavirus DNA in normal adult CBA mice.
- To compare polyomavirus DNA distribution in adult mice with patterns observed in newborn mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for sensitive detection of polyomavirus DNA.
- Monitored viral DNA presence and distribution in various organs over time in infected adult mice.
Main Results:
- Polyomavirus DNA was detected in bone, heart, gonads, lymph nodes, and skin of adult mice, peaking at 2-3 weeks post-infection.
- Viral DNA gradually disappeared by 2-5 months post-infection.
- No polyomavirus DNA was found in kidneys or lungs of adult mice, contrasting with findings in newborn mice.
Conclusions:
- Polyomavirus DNA persistence and organ distribution are age-dependent.
- The PCR technique enables detailed monitoring of viral DNA dynamics in immunocompetent hosts.