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Immunohistopathological study of African swine fever (strain E-75)-infected bone marrow
F Rodríguez1, J Martín de las Mulas, P Herráez
1Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
Abstract:
A study was made of the action of African swine fever virus (ASFV) on the bone marrow of 12 miniature pigs inoculated intramuscularly with the moderately virulent ASFV isolate E75 and killed 2 to 12 days after infection. A sequential description is provided of the histological lesions of the bone marrow in the experimental animals, which developed haemorrhagic lesions from 6 days after inoculation onwards. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to demonstrate the viral protein VP73 and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) in formalin-fixed and paraffin wax-embedded samples of bone marrow tissue. The immunohistological results, platelet counts, viraemia, and anti-ASFV immunoglobulin titres all indicated that thrombocytopoiesis impairment by direct viral action plays a role in the progressive thrombocytopenia characteristic of infection by moderately virulent ASFV isolates.
Insights
African swine fever virus (ASFV) directly impairs bone marrow function, leading to low platelet counts in pigs. This study highlights viral action on thrombocytopoiesis as key in ASFV-induced thrombocytopenia.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs.
- Thrombocytopenia is a common clinical sign in pigs infected with African swine fever virus (ASFV).
- Understanding the pathogenesis of ASFV-induced thrombocytopenia is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a moderately virulent ASFV isolate (E75) on the bone marrow of miniature pigs.
- To elucidate the role of direct viral action on thrombocytopoiesis in the development of thrombocytopenia.
Main Methods:
- 12 miniature pigs were inoculated with ASFV isolate E75.
- Bone marrow tissues were collected 2 to 12 days post-infection.
- Histological and immunohistochemical techniques were employed to detect viral protein VP73 and immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM).
- Platelet counts, viraemia, and anti-ASFV antibody titres were monitored.
Main Results:
- Haemorrhagic bone marrow lesions were observed from 6 days post-inoculation.
- Viral protein VP73 was detected in bone marrow tissues.
- Evidence suggested impairment of thrombocytopoiesis.
- Progressive thrombocytopenia correlated with viraemia and anti-ASFV immunoglobulin titres.
Conclusions:
- Direct viral action on bone marrow significantly contributes to thrombocytopoiesis impairment.
- This impairment plays a critical role in the characteristic progressive thrombocytopenia observed in ASFV infections.
- Findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of ASFV, particularly concerning platelet abnormalities.