Serial Histopathological Examination of the Lungs of Mice Infected with Influenza A Virus PR8 Strain
2011

Study of Lung Changes in Mice Infected with Influenza A Virus

Sample size: 10 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Fukushi Masaya, Ito Tateki, Oka Teruaki, Kitazawa Toshio, Miyoshi-Akiyama Tohru, Kirikae Teruo, Yamashita Makoto, Kudo Koichiro

Primary Institution: National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan

Hypothesis

The study aims to determine the pathological changes in the lungs of mice infected with the influenza A virus and their correlation with mortality.

Conclusion

The study found that diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) with severe alveolar collapse is associated with death in mice infected with the influenza virus.

Supporting Evidence

  • All infected mice died within 9 days postinfection.
  • Interstitial pneumonia was observed at 2 days postinfection.
  • DAD with severe alveolar collapse was observed in all dead mice.
  • Surviving mice showed glandular metaplasia instead of DAD.

Takeaway

When mice get sick from the flu, their lungs can get really damaged, which can lead to death. This study helps us understand how that happens.

Methodology

Mice were infected with influenza A virus and their lungs were examined every 2 days for pathological changes.

Limitations

The study was conducted on mice, which may not fully replicate human responses to influenza infection.

Participant Demographics

Female 5- to 6-week-old specific pathogen-free BALB/c mice.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021207

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