California serogroup virus infections in Wisconsin domestic animals.

This research paper investigates the role of domestic animals in the transmission and amplification of La Crosse Virus (LACV) and Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV), both members of the California serogroup of viruses. The researchers found that while some animals could be infected and produce antibodies against these viruses, they were not efficient in amplifying the viruses, thus suggesting they may not play a significant role in spreading these diseases, but could still serve as indicators of local virus transmission.

Serological Study and Virus Transmission Experiment

• The paper begins by discussing the serologic survey conducted on a range of domestic animals to test their antibody responses to La Crosse (LACV), Jamestown Canyon (JCV), trivittatus (TVTV), and snowshoe hare (SSHV) viruses. These antibodies would suggest that the animals have been exposed to these viruses at some point in their lives.
• The levels of antibodies for LACV, TVTV, and SSHV viruses were under 10% in all the tested animal species, suggesting a lower level of exposure to these viruses.
• However, antibodies for JCV were found in all species except cats, with prevalence rates from 10% in goats and swine up to 29% in dogs. This implicates a larger scale exposure to JCV.

Experimental Beast of Virus

• Several animals were then experimentally inoculated with doses of LACV and JCV to study if they developed viremias, which would mean they successfully propagate the virus in their bloodstream. Some dogs and pigs did develop viremias for LACV, but not consistently across all animals.
• Infection in puppies resulted in fatal outcomes when inoculated with LACV.
• The research also includes cattle, ponies, cats, and sheep. These animals did not demonstrate developed viremias.
• When two cats were fed LACV-infected mice, they briefly shed the virus from their mouth and throat for a day each, suggesting possible transmission routes.

Amplifier Hosts or Antiviral Antibody Response

• The amplification of the virus is confirmed by the rise in antibody titers. An increase in antibodies level is found in almost all animals after inoculation, except for a cow, a cat, and a sheep.
• The five dogs that were exposed to LACV-infected mosquitoes did not develop viremias nor produce antibodies, which indicates they were not susceptible to mosquito-based transmission.
• When a range of animals was exposed to the JCV, none developed viremias, although some produced more antibodies. None of the piglets developed a rise in antibody titers.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, the research suggests that while these animals can be infected with and generate an immune response to these viruses, they do not effectively amplify the virus, thus not playing a significant role in spreading the disease.
• However, their ability to produce antibodies still makes them useful as sentinel creatures, indicating the presence of virus transmission in a given locality.