Characterization of murine Caraparu Bunyavirus liver infection and immunomodulator-mediated antiviral protection.

Abstract

A rapid, peripheral disease model utilizing the Bunyavirus, Caraparu, was established in mice for the evaluation of antiviral therapy with immunomodulators. 4-6-week-old B6C3F1 female mice, inoculated intraperitoneally with virus, developed coagulative liver necrosis and died between 4-6 days after infection. This Caraparu disease model was relatively resistant to treatment with immunomodulators, such as ABMP, Ampligen, alpha-interferon (IFN-alpha) or beta-interferon (IFN-beta). However, a significant increase in median survival time (MST) was consistently observed upon treatment with gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma). The nucleoside analog--ribavirin--was highly effective against Caraparu virus in repeated treatment schedules begun on either day -1, day 0, or day +1 of infection. Ribavirin gave little protection when initiation of treatment was delayed until day +2. However, combined treatment with IFN-gamma, starting on day 0 and ribavirin starting on day +2, significantly reduced mortality.

• Authors: M A Brinton, E I Gavin, W K Lo, A J Pinto, P S Morahan
• Journal: Antiviral research (Antiviral Res) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 155-71 (Feb 1993) ISSN: 0166-3542 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 8460932 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Adjuvants, Immunologic
• Antiviral Agents
• Recombinant Proteins
• Ribavirin
• Interferon-gamma

Topics

• Adjuvants, Immunologic (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Antiviral Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Bunyaviridae Infections (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Female
• Interferon-gamma (pharmacology)
• Liver (pathology)
• Liver Diseases (drug therapy, microbiology, pathology)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred Strains
• Microscopy, Electron
• Orthobunyavirus (drug effects)
• Recombinant Proteins
• Ribavirin (pharmacology)
• Virus Replication (drug effects)