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Mystery of fatal 'staggering disease' unravelled: novel rustrela virus causes severe meningoencephalomyelitis in domestic cats. Nat Commun 2023; 14:624. [PMID: 36739288 PMCID: PMC9899117 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36204-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
'Staggering disease' is a neurological disease entity considered a threat to European domestic cats (Felis catus) for almost five decades. However, its aetiology has remained obscure. Rustrela virus (RusV), a relative of rubella virus, has recently been shown to be associated with encephalitis in a broad range of mammalian hosts. Here, we report the detection of RusV RNA and antigen by metagenomic sequencing, RT-qPCR, in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in brain tissues of 27 out of 29 cats with non-suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis and clinical signs compatible with'staggering disease' from Sweden, Austria, and Germany, but not in non-affected control cats. Screening of possible reservoir hosts in Sweden revealed RusV infection in wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus). Our work indicates that RusV is the long-sought cause of feline 'staggering disease'. Given its reported broad host spectrum and considerable geographic range, RusV may be the aetiological agent of neuropathologies in further mammals, possibly even including humans.
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Yilmaz H, Gurel A, Aktas M, Yildirim F, Bamac OE, Haktanir D, Tekelioglu BK, Gur E, Altan Tarakci E, Helps C, Richt JA, Turan N. Clinical Virological and Pathological Investigations on Horses With Neurologic Disorders in Turkey. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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SOMEYA A, FUKUSHIMA R, YOSHIDA M, TANAHASHI Y, PRAPEUK T, IIZUKA R, HIRAMI H, MATSUDA A, TAKAHASHI S, KURITA G, KIMURA T, SEO M, FUNABA M, NISHINO Y. A study on Borna disease virus infection in domestic cats in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2014; 76:1157-60. [PMID: 24805904 PMCID: PMC4155199 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Borna disease virus (BDV) infection causes neurological disease in cats. Here, we report BDV infection in 199 hospitalized domestic cats in the Tokyo area. BDV infection was evaluated by detection of plasma antibodies against BDV-p24 or -p40. BDV-specific antibodies were detected in 54 cats (27.1%). Interestingly, the percentage of seropositive cats was not significantly different among the three clinical groups, i.e., healthy (29.8%), neurologically asymptomatic disease (22.2%) and neurological disease (33.3%). The specific antibodies were present even in cats aged below one year. The seropositive ratio was constant, irrespective of age and sampling season. The present study suggests that additional factors are required for onset of Borna disease in naturally infected cats and that BDV is transmitted through vertical routes in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azusa SOMEYA
- Department of Animal Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life
Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603–8555,
Japan
| | - Ryoko FUKUSHIMA
- Research Institute of Biosciences, Azabu University, 1–17–71
Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252–5201, Japan
| | - Michiko YOSHIDA
- Research Institute of Biosciences, Azabu University, 1–17–71
Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252–5201, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki TANAHASHI
- Department of Animal Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life
Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603–8555,
Japan
| | - Tangmunkhong PRAPEUK
- Research Institute of Biosciences, Azabu University, 1–17–71
Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252–5201, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Nakorn-Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Reiko IIZUKA
- Hirami Animal Hospital, Tateno-cho, Nerima-Ku, Tokyo
177–0054, Japan
| | - Hiroshi HIRAMI
- Hirami Animal Hospital, Tateno-cho, Nerima-Ku, Tokyo
177–0054, Japan
| | - Atsushi MATSUDA
- Hoshigaoka Animal Hospital, 4–4–5 Hoshigaoka, Chuo-ku,
Sagamihara 252–0238, Japan
| | - Shunichi TAKAHASHI
- FAH Takahashi Animal Hospital, 1785–1 Shimotsuruma, Yamato
242–0001, Japan
| | - Goro KURITA
- Kurita Animal Hospital, 139–1 Furukawa, Furukawa 306–0016,
Japan
| | - Takashi KIMURA
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of
Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18,
Nishi-9, Sapporo 060–0818, Japan
- Present address: Division of Molecular Pathobiology,
Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita-20, Nishi-10, Sapporo
001–0020, Japan
| | - Misuzu SEO
- Department of Animal Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life
Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603–8555,
Japan
| | - Masayuki FUNABA
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Kyoto University Graduate
School of Agriculture, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Kyoto 606–8502, Japan
| | - Yoshii NISHINO
- Department of Animal Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life
Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603–8555,
Japan
- Research Institute of Biosciences, Azabu University, 1–17–71
Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252–5201, Japan
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Borna disease virus infection in cats. Vet J 2013; 201:142-9. [PMID: 24480411 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Bornaviruses are known to cause neurological disorders in a number of animal species. Avian Bornavirus (ABV) causes proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) in birds and Borna disease virus (BDV) causes Borna disease in horses and sheep. BDV also causes staggering disease in cats, characterised by ataxia, behavioural changes and loss of postural reactions. BDV-infection markers in cats have been reported throughout the world. This review summarizes the current knowledge of Borna disease viruses in cats, including etiological agent, clinical signs, pathogenesis, epidemiology and diagnostics, with comparisons to Bornavirus infections in other species.
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Kinnunen PM, Palva A, Vaheri A, Vapalahti O. Epidemiology and host spectrum of Borna disease virus infections. J Gen Virol 2012; 94:247-262. [PMID: 23223618 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.046961-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Borna disease virus (BDV) has gained lot of interest because of its zoonotic potential, ability to introduce cDNA of its RNA transcripts into host genomes, and ability to cause severe neurobehavioural diseases. Classical Borna disease is a progressive meningoencephalomyelitis in horses and sheep, known in central Europe for centuries. According to current knowledge, BDV or a close relative also infects several other species, including humans at least occasionally, in central Europe and elsewhere, but the existence of potential 'human Borna disease' with its suspected neuropsychiatric symptoms is highly controversial. The recent detection of endogenized BDV-like genes in primate and various other vertebrate genomes confirms that at least ancient bornaviruses did infect our ancestors. The epidemiology of BDV is largely unknown, but accumulating evidence indicates vectors and reservoirs among small wild mammals. The aim of this review is to bring together the current knowledge on epidemiology of BDV infections. Specifically, geographical and host distribution are addressed and assessed in the critical light of the detection methods used. We also review some salient clinical aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Kinnunen
- Infection Biology Research Program Unit, Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Airi Palva
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Vaheri
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Infection Biology Research Program Unit, Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Infection Biology Research Program Unit, Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Wensman JJ, Jäderlund KH, Gustavsson MH, Hansson-Hamlin H, Karlstam E, Lilliehöök I, Oström ILÖ, Belák S, Berg M, Holst BS. Markers of Borna disease virus infection in cats with staggering disease. J Feline Med Surg 2012; 14:573-82. [PMID: 22553310 PMCID: PMC11104187 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x12446638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Borna disease virus (BDV) is a RNA-virus causing neurological disorders in a wide range of mammals. In cats, BDV infection may cause staggering disease. Presently, staggering disease is a tentative clinical diagnosis, only confirmed at necropsy. In this study, cats with staggering disease were investigated to study markers of BDV infection aiming for improvement of current diagnostics. Nineteen cats fulfilled the inclusion criteria based on neurological signs and pathological findings. In 17/19 cats, BDV infection markers (BDV-specific antibodies and/or BDV-RNA) were found, and antibodies in serum (13/16, 81%) were the most common marker. BDV-RNA was found in 11/19 cats (58%). In a reference population without neurological signs, 4/25 cats were seropositive (16%). The clinical history and neurological signs in combination with presence of BDV infection markers, where serology and rRT-PCR on blood can be helpful tools, improve the diagnostic accuracy in the living cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas J Wensman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
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De Risio L, Brown R, Tennant B, Sparkes A, Matiasek L, de Stefani A, Weissenböck H, Matiasek K. Slowly progressive lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalomyelitis in 21 adult cats presenting with peculiar neurological signs. J Feline Med Surg 2012; 14:250-6. [PMID: 22412162 PMCID: PMC10822513 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x11435460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-one cats presented with a history of slowly progressive neurological signs characterised by a stiff extended tail, behavioural changes, and spastic and ataxic gait. All cats had outdoor access and lived in the same geographical rural area in north-east Scotland. Histological findings were consistent with lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalomyelitis. Immunohistochemistry ruled out 15 pathogens and showed a significant expression of the interferon-inducible Mx protein, suggesting an as yet unidentified infective or environmental immunogenic trigger as the possible causative agent. The late age at onset (mean 9 years), the very slow progression of clinical signs (mean 11 months) and the peculiar clinical presentation (particularly the posture of the tail) have not been reported previously in cats with lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalomyelitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa De Risio
- Neurology/Neurosurgery Service, Centre for Small Animal Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Suffolk, UK.
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Intracerebral Borna disease virus infection of bank voles leading to peripheral spread and reverse transcription of viral RNA. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23622. [PMID: 21935357 PMCID: PMC3174072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bornaviruses, which chronically infect many species, can cause severe neurological diseases in some animal species; their association with human neuropsychiatric disorders is, however, debatable. The epidemiology of Borna disease virus (BDV), as for other members of the family Bornaviridae, is largely unknown, although evidence exists for a reservoir in small mammals, for example bank voles (Myodes glareolus). In addition to the current exogenous infections and despite the fact that bornaviruses have an RNA genome, bornavirus sequences integrated into the genomes of several vertebrates millions of years ago. Our hypothesis is that the bank vole, a common wild rodent species in traditional BDV-endemic areas, can serve as a viral host; we therefore explored whether this species can be infected with BDV, and if so, how the virus spreads and whether viral RNA is transcribed into DNA in vivo.We infected neonate bank voles intracerebrally with BDV and euthanized them 2 to 8 weeks post-infection. Specific Ig antibodies were detectable in 41%. Histological evaluation revealed no significant pathological alterations, but BDV RNA and antigen were detectable in all infected brains. Immunohistology demonstrated centrifugal spread throughout the nervous tissue, because viral antigen was widespread in peripheral nerves and ganglia, including the mediastinum, esophagus, and urinary bladder. This was associated with viral shedding in feces, of which 54% were BDV RNA-positive, and urine at 17%. BDV nucleocapsid gene DNA occurred in 66% of the infected voles, and, surprisingly, occasionally also phosphoprotein DNA. Thus, intracerebral BDV infection of bank vole led to systemic infection of the nervous tissue and viral excretion, as well as frequent reverse transcription of the BDV genome, enabling genomic integration. This first experimental bornavirus infection in wild mammals confirms the recent findings regarding bornavirus DNA, and suggests that bank voles are capable of bornavirus transmission.
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Meerburg BG, Singleton GR, Kijlstra A. Rodent-borne diseases and their risks for public health. Crit Rev Microbiol 2009; 35:221-70. [DOI: 10.1080/10408410902989837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 455] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Kinnunen PM, Billich C, Ek-Kommonen C, Henttonen H, Kallio RKE, Niemimaa J, Palva A, Staeheli P, Vaheri A, Vapalahti O. Serological evidence for Borna disease virus infection in humans, wild rodents and other vertebrates in Finland. J Clin Virol 2006; 38:64-9. [PMID: 17129759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2006.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2005] [Revised: 05/30/2006] [Accepted: 10/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borna disease virus (BDV) can infect many vertebrate species, including humans. BDV infection may lead to meningoencephalomyelitis in animals. An association with human neuropsychiatric diseases has been reported, but the causal relationship between BDV and human disease remains unclear. OBJECTIVES AND STUDY DESIGN To find out whether BDV is present in Finland and to look for a potential reservoir, we examined a large panel of blood samples from different vertebrate species with immunofluorescence assay. Samples from horses, cats, dogs, sheep, cattle, large predators, grouse, wild rodents and humans were included. Most positive results were confirmed by other specific methods and in other laboratories. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS BDV-specific antibodies were detected in 10 horses, 2 cats, as well as 2 horses and 1 dog from farms housing a previously detected seropositive horse. Interestingly, BDV-specific antibodies were further detected in three wild rodents. In humans, BDV-specific antibodies were detected in a veterinarian and in two patients suspected to have a Puumala hantavirus infection. Our serological analysis suggests that BDV infects various vertebrates in Finland, including humans. Furthermore, our data indicate for the first time that BDV infects also wild rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Kinnunen
- Division of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 66, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland.
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Kamhieh S, Flower R. Borna Disease Virus (BDV) infection in cats a concise review based on current knowledge. Vet Q 2006. [DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2006.9695210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
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Abstract
Neurologic disease is seen commonly in cats, with infectious causes accounting for 30-45% of cases. However, since a specific infection cannot be identified in 12-40% of these cases, it is essential that we try to understand these cases better in the hope that we can eventually identify the cause(s), and so determine how best to treat and/or prevent them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danièlle Gunn-Moore
- Feline Clinic, University of Edinburgh Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Clinics, Midlothian, Scotland EH25 9RG.
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Haydon DT, Cleaveland S, Taylor LH, Laurenson MK. Identifying reservoirs of infection: a conceptual and practical challenge. Emerg Infect Dis 2002; 8:1468-73. [PMID: 12498665 PMCID: PMC2738515 DOI: 10.3201/eid0812.010317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 489] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many infectious agents, especially those that cause emerging diseases, infect more than one host species. Managing reservoirs of multihost pathogens often plays a crucial role in effective disease control. However, reservoirs remain variously and loosely defined. We propose that reservoirs can only be understood with reference to defined target populations. Therefore, we define a reservoir as one or more epidemiologically connected populations or environments in which the pathogen can be permanently maintained and from which infection is transmitted to the defined target population. Existence of a reservoir is confirmed when infection within the target population cannot be sustained after all transmission between target and nontarget populations has been eliminated. When disease can be controlled solely by interventions within target populations, little knowledge of potentially complex reservoir infection dynamics is necessary for effective control. We discuss the practical value of different approaches that may be used to identify reservoirs in the field.
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Ouchi A, Kishi M, Kobayashi T, Lai PK, Malik TH, Ikuta K, Mochizuki M. Prevalence of circulating antibodies to p10, a non-structural protein of the Borna disease virus in cats with ataxia. J Vet Med Sci 2001; 63:1279-85. [PMID: 11789604 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.63.1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese domestic cats were surveyed for circulating antibodies to the plO and p24 proteins of the Borna disease virus (BDV) by Western blotting. Twenty-four of 52 cats (46.2%) with ataxia and other neurologic symptoms of unknown cause were positive for antibodies to BDV p10 and/or p24. In contrast, cats without neurological symptoms gave a significantly lower prevalence of anti-BDV antibodies to p10 and/or p24 (36 of 152 cats, 23.7%). Thirty specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats tested as controls were uniformly negative to BDV pl0 and p24 antigens. These results suggest that BDV may play a role in ataxia in cats. Additionally, our results suggest that it is necessary to use both p10 and p24 as antigens to detect circulating antibodies to BDV in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ouchi
- Tsukuba Central Laboratories, Kyoritsu Seiyaku Corporation, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
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Helps CR, Turan N, Bilal T, Harbour DA, Yilmaz H. Detection of antibodies to Borna disease virus in Turkish cats by using recombinant p40. Vet Rec 2001; 149:647-50. [PMID: 11764326 DOI: 10.1136/vr.149.21.647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant p40 produced by baculovirus was used in an ELISA to screen samples of serum taken from 80 cats in Istanbul. The sera were also analysed for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Antibodies to Borna disease virus- (BDV) p40 were detected in 34 (42-5 per cent) of the 80 cats. Seventy-three per cent of the sera which were positive for FIV and 26 per cent of the sera which were negative for FIV had antibodies to BDV. There was no difference in the percentage of sera which were positive for BDV between the cats that were positive or negative for FeLV. Three of the cats had neurological disease and two of these had antibodies to BDV. Six sera with low, medium or high optical densities (ODS) by ELISA were analysed by Western blotting. Only the sera with medium and high ODS reacted specifically with p40 at a dilution of 1 in 1,000.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Helps
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford
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Abstract
The biology of Borna disease virus (BDV) strongly supports the likelihood of human infection with BDV or a variant of BDV. Thus far, the evidence supporting BDV infection in humans has initiated much controversy among basic and clinical scientists; only time and additional research will support or refute the hypothesis of human BDV infection. Until an assay of acceptable specificity and sensitivity has been developed, validated, and used to document human BDV infection, scientists cannot reasonably begin to associate BDV infection with specific disease syndromes. Clinical studies seeking causal associations between BDV infection and specific diseases must ensure the proper identification of the BDV infection status of patients and control subjects by using a validated, highly sensitive, and highly specific assay (or series of assays). For clinical studies, a highly sensitive "screening" test followed by a highly specific confirmatory test will be of significant benefit. Although it is possible to formulate hypotheses about the clinical outcomes of human BDV infection based on animal model work, to date no human disease has been causally linked to human BDV infection. Scientists all over the world are actively pursuing these issues, and with continuing advances in clinical and basic BDV research, the answers cannot be far away.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Carbone
- FDA/CBER, HFM 460, 8800 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Degiorgis MP, Berg AL, Hârd Af Segerstad C, Mörner T, Johansson M, Berg M. Borna disease in a free-ranging lynx (Lynx lynx). J Clin Microbiol 2000; 38:3087-91. [PMID: 10921984 PMCID: PMC87193 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.38.8.3087-3091.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A free-ranging lynx (Lynx lynx) was shot because of its abnormal behavior. Histopathological examination revealed a nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis. In situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and reverse transcriptase PCR analysis showed the presence of Borna disease virus infection in the brain. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed case of Borna disease in a large felid.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Degiorgis
- Department of Wildlife, National Veterinary Institute, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract
Borna disease virus (BDV) is a neurotropic agent with capacity to infect and cause encephalomyelitis in a wide range of animals, including horses, sheep, cattle and cats. Recent interest in BDV as a potential human pathogen has been stimulated by reports of BDV-specific antibodies and nucleic acid in patients with neuropsychiatric diseases. The pathogenesis of Borna disease (BD) in naturally infected animals is believed to be immune-mediated, mainly through the action of cytotoxic T cells. In this paper, a case of feline BD with atypical clinical and histopathological features is reported. Clinically, the cat showed muscle fasciculation and proprioceptive defects. Despite absence of encephalitis, numerous neurons were infected with BDV as shown by in-situ hybridization. This indicates that BDV infection may lead to various disease patterns, depending on differences in viral pathogenicity, or on as yet unidentified host-specific factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Berg
- Department of Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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