Related Experiment Videos
Sin Nombre virus pathogenesis in Peromyscus maniculatus
D Netski1, B H Thran, S C St Jeor
1Cell and Molecular Biology Program and Department of Microbiology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA.
Abstract:
Sin Nombre virus (SNV), a member of the Hantavirus genus, causes acute viral pneumonia in humans and is thought to persistently infect mice. The deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, has been identified as the primary reservoir host for SNV. To understand SNV infection of P. maniculatus, we examined wild deer mice for localization of viral antigens and nucleic acid. Morphologic examination consistently revealed septal edema within lung tissue and mononuclear cell infiltrates in portal areas of the liver. Immunohistochemical analysis of SNV-infected deer mice identified viral antigens within lung, liver, kidney, and spleen. The lungs consistently presented with the highest levels of viral antigen by immunohistochemistry and with the highest levels of nucleic acid by reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR. The mononuclear cell infiltrates surrounding liver portal triads were positive for SNV antigens in addition to resident macrophages in liver sinuses. Spleen tissue contained antigens in both the red pulp and the periartereolar region of the white pulp. The kidney presented with no gross pathology, although antigens could be localized to glomeruli. Virus antigen levels within the kidney were highest in deer mice that did not have antibodies to SNV but contained viral nucleic acid detectable by RT PCR. Since transmission is thought to occur via urine, our results suggest that virus transmission may be highest in the early stages of infection. In addition, these results indicate that SNV does cause some pathology within its reservoir host.
Insights
Sin Nombre virus (SNV) persistently infects deer mice, causing lung edema and liver inflammation. Viral antigens are found in multiple organs, suggesting early-stage infection may increase transmission risk.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Sin Nombre virus (SNV), a Hantavirus, causes severe pneumonia in humans.
- Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are the primary reservoir for SNV.
- Understanding SNV pathogenesis in its reservoir host is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and localization of SNV antigens and nucleic acid in wild deer mice.
- To correlate viral presence with observed pathology in the reservoir host.
- To infer potential transmission dynamics based on viral shedding and antibody status.
Main Methods:
- Morphological examination of tissues from wild deer mice.
- Immunohistochemistry to detect SNV viral antigens.
- Reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR to quantify SNV nucleic acid levels.
Main Results:
- Consistent septal edema in lungs and mononuclear infiltrates in liver portal areas were observed.
- Viral antigens and nucleic acid were detected in lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen.
- Lungs showed the highest viral antigen and nucleic acid levels; kidneys had detectable virus without gross pathology, especially in antibody-negative mice.
Conclusions:
- SNV establishes persistent infections in deer mice, causing identifiable pathology.
- The distribution of viral antigens suggests systemic infection and potential shedding.
- Higher viral loads in antibody-negative mice may indicate increased transmission risk during early infection stages.