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New findings from M. Arita and co-researchers in the area of central nervous system infection described
November 19th, 2007
2007 NOV 19 -- "Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease and is also sometimes associated with serious neurological disorders. In this study, we characterized the antigenicity and tissue specificity of an attenuated strain of EV71 [EV71(S1-3')], which belongs to genotype A, in a monkey infection model," scientists in Tokyo, Japan report. "Three cynomolgus monkeys were inoculated with EV71 (S1-3'), followed by lethal challenge with the parental virulent strain EV71(BrCr-TR) via an intravenous route on day 45 postinoculation of EV71(S1-3'). Monkeys inoculated with EV71(S1-3') showed a mild neurological symptom (tremor) but survived lethal challenge by virulent EV71(BrCr-TR) without exacerbation of the symptom. The immunized monkey sera showed a broad spectrum of neutralizing activity against different genotypes of EV71, including genotypes A, B1, B4, C2, and C4. For the strains examined, the sera showed the highest neutralization activity against the homotype (genotype A) and the lowest neutralization activity against genotype C2. The order of decreasing neutralization activity of sera was as follows: A> B1 > C4 > B4 > C2. To examine the tissue specificity of EV71(S1-3'), two monkeys were intravenously inoculated with EV71(S1-3' followed by examination of virus distribution in the central nervous system (CNS) and extraneural tissues. In the CNS, EV71(S1-3') was isolated only from the spinal cord," wrote M. Arita and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "These results indicate that EV71(S1-3') acts as an effective antigen, although this attenuated strain was still neurotropic when inoculated via the intravenous route." Arita and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Virology (An attenuated strain of enterovirus 71 belonging to genotype A showed a broad spectrum of antigenicity with attenuated neurovirulence in cynomolgus monkeys. Journal of Virology, 2007;81(17):9386-9395). For more information, contact M. Arita, National Institute Infectious Disease, Dept. of Virology 2, 4-7-1 Gakuen, Musashimurayama Shi, Tokyo 2080011, Japan. Publisher contact information for the Journal of Virology is: American Society Microbiology, 1752 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-2904, USA. Keywords: Japan, Tokyo, Central Nervous System Infection, Neurology. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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