Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Using Zebrafish Models of Human Influenza A Virus Infections to Screen Antiviral Drugs and Characterize Host Immune Cell Responses
Published on: January 20, 2017
Amitraz effects on foot-and-mouth disease virus in mammalian cells in vitro
1Instituto Biológico, Säo Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
The toxicity of the acaricide amitraz and its effect on foot-and-mouth disease virus multiplication were evaluated in IB-RS-2 cells in vitro. A reduction of cell growth rate that was dependent on the dose and the length of treatment was observed in cells exposed to amitraz concentrations ranging from 20 to 50 micrograms/ml. Foot-and-mouth disease virus infectivity remained essentially unchanged in cells exposed to amitraz (20 micrograms/ml) 24 hr prior to virus infection or after the adsorption period. Viral RNA synthesis evaluated through [3H]uridine incorporation in cells treated for 24 hr prior to infection was not affected by amitraz.
Insights
The acaricide amitraz showed toxicity to IB-RS-2 cells, reducing their growth rate. However, amitraz did not significantly affect foot-and-mouth disease virus multiplication or RNA synthesis in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
- Acaricides, such as amitraz, are used to control parasitic infections in livestock, but their potential effects on viral replication are not fully understood.
- Understanding the interaction between veterinary drugs and viral pathogens is crucial for animal health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro toxicity of the acaricide amitraz on IB-RS-2 cells.
- To determine the effect of amitraz on the multiplication of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV).
Main Methods:
- IB-RS-2 cells were exposed to various concentrations of amitraz (20-50 µg/ml).
- Cell growth rate was assessed to evaluate amitraz toxicity.
- FMDV infectivity and viral RNA synthesis (using [3H]uridine incorporation) were measured in amitraz-treated cells.
Main Results:
- Amitraz exposure led to a dose- and time-dependent reduction in IB-RS-2 cell growth rate.
- FMDV infectivity was not significantly altered when cells were treated with amitraz (20 µg/ml) before or after viral adsorption.
- Viral RNA synthesis remained unaffected by 24-hour pre-treatment with amitraz.
Conclusions:
- Amitraz exhibits cytotoxicity to IB-RS-2 cells at concentrations of 20-50 µg/ml.
- Amitraz does not appear to inhibit FMDV replication or viral RNA synthesis in vitro under the tested conditions.
- These findings suggest that amitraz, at the tested concentrations, may not interfere with FMDV multiplication, although it does impact cell viability.
