A Ferret Model of Canine Distemper Virus Virulence and Immunosuppression

摘要: Canine distemper virus (CDV) infects many carnivores, including ferrets and dogs, is the member of Morbillivirus genus most easily amenable to experimentation in a homologous small-animal system. To gain insights into determinants CDV pathogenesis, we isolated strain highly virulent for by repeated passaging these animals. Sequence comparison genome this with that its attenuated precursor revealed 19 mutations distributed almost evenly six genes. We then recovered from cDNA copy strain's consensus sequence using modified reverse genetics system based on B cells. infected showed it fully retained virulence as measured timing rash appearance, disease onset, death. Body temperature, leukocyte number, lymphocyte proliferation activity, cell-associated viremia also had similar kinetics. addressed question relative importance envelope other viral constituents virulence. Viruses which genes (matrix, fusion, hemagglutinin) were combined caused severe fever even if onset was delayed. nucleocapsid, polymerase, phosphoprotein (coding V C proteins) milder signs disease. Thus, virulence-inducing have accumulated throughout genome.