Aleutian Disease is a condition that affects minks, causing them to develop an acute disease. In a research study conducted by Haas et al. in 1990, the authors investigated the effects of infecting violet minks with the ADV SL3 strain of the Aleutian Disease Virus. The study found that all infected minks developed virus-specific antibodies and hypergammaglobulinemia. Additionally, the mortality rate during the fourteen-week duration of the infection was 50%. The virus also induced specific pathological lesions typical of Aleutian Disease. Through various examinations and tests, the researchers were able to detect the virus in certain organs and tissues of the infected minks.
What is Aleutian Disease?
Aleutian Disease is a viral infection that predominantly affects minks, causing a range of symptoms and pathological changes. The disease is caused by the Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV), which belongs to the Parvoviridae family. Minks infected with ADV often develop an acute illness characterized by the production of virus-specific antibodies and hypergammaglobulinemia.
How did the infection affect the minks?
During the research study, six violet minks were infected with the ADV SL3 isolate of the Aleutian Disease Virus. All of the infected animals developed virus-specific antibodies and a condition known as hypergammaglobulinemia, which is an increase in gamma globulin proteins in the blood. The mortality rate observed during the fourteen-week duration of the infection was 50%. This suggests that ADV SL3 infection can be severe and potentially fatal for violet minks.
Which organs were affected by the virus?
The researchers conducted various examinations to determine the organs and tissues affected by the Aleutian Disease Virus in infected minks. Through immunohistochemical examination using a virus capsid-specific monoclonal antibody, viral antigen was detected in lymph nodes, spleen, kidneys, and occasionally in hepatic Kupffer cells. This suggests that these organs are particularly susceptible to ADV infection. Southern blot and in situ hybridization studies further confirmed the presence of ADV in mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen. In some minks, DNA replicative forms of the virus were also found in bone marrow cells or mononuclear cells of the peripheral blood. Additionally, single-stranded viral DNA was detected in the liver, kidney, gut, and lung of infected animals.
Was the virus detected in the blood?
Yes, the virus was detected in the blood of some infected minks. In certain cases, DNA replicative forms of the Aleutian Disease Virus were found in bone marrow cells or mononuclear cells of the peripheral blood. This suggests that the virus can circulate within the bloodstream and potentially cause systemic effects.
What are the (histo)pathological lesions associated with Aleutian Disease?
(Histo)pathological lesions refer to abnormal changes or damage observed in tissues during a disease. In the case of Aleutian Disease, the virus-induced (histo)pathological lesions were found to be typical of the condition. The exact nature of these lesions can vary but often include glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s glomeruli), lymphoid hyperplasia (an abnormal increase in the number of lymphoid cells), and splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen). These lesions contribute to the clinical signs and symptoms observed in minks with Aleutian Disease.
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