
PLoS Pathogens, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 20(12), С. e1012751 - e1012751
Опубликована: Дек. 9, 2024
Wesselsbron virus (WSLV) is a zoonotic, mosquito-borne orthoflavivirus endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, causing abortions and stillbirths in small ruminants. The life cycle of WSLV involves Aedes mosquitoes various wildlife domestic animals. Seminal studies the 1950s have shown zoonotic potential WSLV, notably accidental infections laboratory workers exposed infected material. More recent epidemiological suggest emergence clade I strains peri-domestic rural areas western eastern Africa. pathobiology unknown no isolate available. To address these gaps, we generated recombinant SA999 infectious clone (rSA999) by reverse genetics. Subsequently, lactating ewes were inoculated intravenously with rSA999 strain or II SAH177 insect-free biocontainment stables. Inoculated developed fever, viremia, showed high levels viral RNA at mucosal surfaces, elevated titers milk. Milk production was reduced, which directly affected growth lambs, particularly within group. higher their milk each group transmitted infection prolonged secretion. All animals produced antibody cross-neutralizing activity against both strains. Histopathology blood biochemistry analysis indicated liver damage associated necrotizing hepatitis lesions active replication some cases, more pronounced Notably, only SAH177-infected exhibited consistent meningoencephalitis, suggesting that are neurotropic hepatotropic. These findings demonstrate previously unrecognized mode vector-free transmission raises significant concerns for public animal health.
Язык: Английский