Virulence in Murine Model Shows the Existence of Two Distinct Populations of Brazilian Vaccinia virus Strains
2008

Virulence Patterns of Brazilian Vaccinia Virus Strains in Mice

Sample size: 28 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ferreira Jaqueline Maria Siqueira, Drumond Betânia Paiva, Guedes Maria Isabel Maldonado Coelho, Pascoal-Xavier Marcelo Antônio, Almeida-Leite Camila Megale, Arantes Rosa Maria Esteves, Mota Bruno Eduardo Fernandes, Abrahão Jônatas Santos, Alves Pedro Augusto, Oliveira Fernando Meireles, Ferreira Paulo César Peregrino, Bonjardim Cláudio Antônio, Lobato Zélia Inês Portela, Kroon Erna Geessien

Primary Institution: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Hypothesis

The study aims to investigate the virulence patterns of different Brazilian Vaccinia virus strains in a murine model.

Conclusion

The study found that Brazilian Vaccinia virus strains can be divided into two groups based on their virulence, with some strains causing severe disease and others showing no clinical signs.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study identified two groups of Brazilian Vaccinia virus strains based on their virulence.
  • High virulent strains caused significant morbidity and mortality in infected mice.
  • Low virulent strains did not cause clinical signs or weight loss in mice.
  • Viral replication was observed in multiple organs of mice infected with high virulent strains.
  • Histopathological analysis showed severe pneumonia in mice infected with high virulent strains.
  • Neutralizing antibodies were detected in mice infected with low virulent strains.
  • Different strains exhibited varying levels of virulence despite being isolated from similar hosts.
  • The findings support the existence of diverse populations of Brazilian Vaccinia virus strains.

Takeaway

Some Brazilian Vaccinia virus strains make mice very sick, while others don't seem to cause any problems at all.

Methodology

The study involved infecting BALB/c mice with different Brazilian Vaccinia virus strains and monitoring them for clinical signs, weight loss, and viral replication in various organs.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in strain selection and the interpretation of virulence based on observed clinical signs.

Limitations

The study primarily used a single animal model (BALB/c mice), which may not fully represent the virulence in other species.

Participant Demographics

Four-week-old male BALB/c mice were used for the experiments.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003043

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