PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Dezengrini R., Silva S.C., Weiss M., Kreutz L.C., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2010. [Activity of three antiviral drugs against bovine herpesviruses 1, 2 and 5 in cell culture.] Atividade de três drogas antivirais sobre os herpesvírus bovino tipos 1, 2 e 5 em cultivo celular. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(10):855-860. Setor de Virologia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: eduardofurtadoflores@gmail.com The activity of three anti-herpetic drugs (Acyclovir [ACV], Gancyclovir [GCV] and Foscarnet [PFA]) was tested against bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), 2 (BoHV-2) and 5 (BoHV-5) in vitro using the plaque reduction assay. Different drug concentrations were tested against one hundred 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) of the respective viruses. Drug concentrations lower than 200µg/mL resulted in viability rates of more than 80% for MDBK and Hep2 cells in the MTT test (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). The selectivity index (IS) of the drugs was calculated dividing the concentration of the drug that is cytotoxic for 50% of the cells (CC50) by the concentration of the drug that was effective in reducing by 50% the number of viral plaques (EC50) for the three herpesviruses. Thus, ACV was shown to be moderately active against BoHV-1 (EC50: 112.9mg/mL; IS: 4.5), BoHV-2 (EC50: 114.2mg/mL; IS: 4.5) and BoHV-5 (EC50: 96.9mg/mL; IS: 5.3). GCV was effective against BoHV-2 (EC50: 33.5mg/mL; IS: 16.6), moderately effective against BoHV-5 (EC50: 123.2mg/mL; IS: 4.5) and poorly active against BoHV-1 (EC50: 335.8mg/mL; IS: 1.7). PFA exhibited the highest antiviral activity, being the only drug that, at concentration of 100mg/mL, completely inhibited plaque formation by all three viruses. PFA was the most effective in vitro against BoHV-1 (EC50: 29.5mg/mL; IS: 42.2), BoHV-2 (EC50: 45.2mg/mL; IS: 27.6) and BoHV-5 (EC50: 7.8mg/mL; IS: 160.6). Thus, the results indicate that PFA is a promising candidate for experimental therapeutic testing in vivo against bovine herpesviruses.

• Antivirals BoHV-1 BoHV-2 BoHV-5 Foscarnet Gancyclovir Acyclovir antivirais Ganciclovir Aciclovir

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Dezengrini R., Silva S.C., Weiss M., Kreutz L.C., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2010. [Activity of three antiviral drugs against bovine herpesviruses 1, 2 and 5 in cell culture.] Atividade de três drogas antivirais sobre os herpesvírus bovino tipos 1, 2 e 5 em cultivo celular. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(10):855-860. Setor de Virologia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: eduardofurtadoflores@gmail.com A atividade de três fármacos antivirais (Aciclovir [ACV], Ganciclovir [GCV] e Foscarnet [PFA]) foi testada in vitro frente aos herpesvírus bovino tipos 1 (BoHV-1), 2 (BoHV-2) e 5 (BoHV-5). Para isso, utilizou-se o teste de redução de placas virais em cultivo celular, testando-se diferentes concentrações dos fármacos frente a 100 doses infectantes para 50% dos cultivos celulares (DICC50) dos respectivos vírus. Pelo teste de MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), verificou-se que concentrações inferiores a 200µg/mL dos três antivirais resultaram em índices de viabilidade de células MDBK e Hep2 superiores a 80%. Com base na concentração citotóxica para 50% das células (CC50) e na concentração dos fármacos efetiva para inibir em 50% o número de placas virais (EC50), calculou-se o índice de seletividade (IS) dos antivirais para os três herpesvírus. Assim, o ACV demonstrou ser moderadamente ativo frente ao BoHV-1 (EC50: 112,9mg/mL e IS: 4,5), ao BoHV-2 (EC50: 114,2 mg/mL e IS: 4,5) e BoHV-5 (EC50: 96,9mg/mL e IS: 5,3). O GCV apresentou atividade moderada frente ao BoHV-2 (EC50: 33,5mg/mL e IS: 16,6) e, em menor grau, contra o BoHV-5 (EC50: 123,2mg/mL e IS: 4,5), sendo ineficaz frente ao BoHV-1 (EC50: 335,8mg/mL e IS: 1,7). O PFA apresentou atividade antiviral mais pronunciada, sendo o único fármaco que, na concentração de 100µg/mL, inibiu completamente a produção de placas pelos três vírus testados. O PFA foi o mais efetivo in vitro frente ao BoHV-1 (EC50: 29,5mg/mL e IS: 42,2), ao BoHV-2 (EC50: 45,2mg/mL e IS: 27,6) e ao BoHV-5 (EC50: 7,8mg/mL e IS: 160,6). Portanto, os resultados obtidos indicam que o PFA pode se constituir em um candidato para terapia experimental de infecções pelos herpesvírus de bovinos in vivo.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Dezengrini R., Silva S.C., Weiss M., Oliveira M.S., Traesel C.K., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2010. [Effects of Foscarnet on the infection by bovine herpesviruses 1 and 5 in rabbits.] Efeitos do Foscarnet sobre a infecção pelos herpesvírus bovino tipos 1 e 5 em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(8):623-630. Setor de Virologia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av, Roraima 1000, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: eduardofurtadoflores@gmail.com The activity of Foscarnet (PFA) against three bovine herpesviruses (BoHVs) was previously demonstrated in cell culture. Herein we evaluated the effects of PFA on the infection and disease by BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 in a rabbit model. Rabbits inoculated with BoHV-5 in the conjunctival sac (IC) and treated with PFA (100 mg/kg/day) from day 1 to 17 post-inoculation (pi) shed less virus between days 2 and 6 pi comparing to untreated controls; this difference was significant at day 3 pi [F(9,108) = 2,23; P<0.03]. The morbidity and mortality rates of rabbits inoculated with BoHV-5 IC or intranasally (IN) were also significantly reduced in PFA-treated rabbits (50%; 11/22) comparing to untreated controls (95.4%; 21/22) (P<0.0008). In rabbits inoculated IC with BoHV-1, a reduction in virus shedding was observed in PFA-treated animals between days 1 and 4 pi; 6 and 7 pi. In addition, PFA-treated rabbits presented a longer incubation period and a shorter clinical course comparing to untreated controls (P<0.005 and P<0.04, respectively). The frequency and severity of ocular signs were also reduced in the PFA-treated group. These results demonstrate that PFA is effective against BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 in vivo and open the way towards its use in experimental therapy of herpetic infections in domestic animals.

• Antivirals BoHV-1 BoHV-5 PFA bovine herpesviruses 1 bovine herpesviruses 5 Foscarnet herpesvírus bovino tipo 1 herpesvírus bovino tipo 5

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Dezengrini R., Silva S.C., Weiss M., Oliveira M.S., Traesel C.K., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2010. [Effects of Foscarnet on the infection by bovine herpesviruses 1 and 5 in rabbits.] Efeitos do Foscarnet sobre a infecção pelos herpesvírus bovino tipos 1 e 5 em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(8):623-630. Setor de Virologia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av, Roraima 1000, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: eduardofurtadoflores@gmail.com

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Oliveira E.C., Sonne L., Bezerra Júnior P.S., Teixeira E.M., Dezengrini R., Pavarini S.P., Flores E.F. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Clinic and pathological findings in dogs naturally infected with canine herpesvirus.] Achados clínicos e patológicos em cães infectados naturalmente por herpesvírus canino. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):637-642. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br The clinic and pathological findings and laboratorial testing of puppies with postmortem diagnosis of canine herpesvirus infection are described. The cases occurred in two households of Porto Alegre, RS, in April 2007 and July 2008. The puppies presented anorexia, depression, cry and dyspnea, followed by death about 24-72 hours after the onset of clinical signs. At necropsy multifocal pin point hemorrhages were observed in the kidneys. The liver was enlarged with petechiae and white foci on the surface. The lungs were red and did not collapse. The spleen was enlarged and, in some cases, with petechiae on the capsular surface. Mesenteric lymph nodes and thymus were enlarged. Microscopic lesions included hemorrhages and multifocal necrosis of the renal tubular epithelial cells, hepatocytes and lymphoid tissues. In the lungs there was severe multifocal alveolar necrosis with abundant fibrin deposits and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate of variable intensity. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were identified in the periphery of necrotic areas in hepatocytes, renal tubular epithelial cells and alveolar cells. Samples of liver, kidney and lung were positive in the direct immunofluorescence test for canine herpes virus type 1 (CHV-1). The diagnosis was based on epidemiological data, necropsy findings, histological lesions and positive immunofluorescence results using CHV-1 antibody in tissue samples. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the identification of CHV-1 in Brazil, although previous clinic and pathological findings already suggested the presence of the virus in Brazilian canine population.

• Canine herpesvirus

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Oliveira E.C., Sonne L., Bezerra Júnior P.S., Teixeira E.M., Dezengrini R., Pavarini S.P., Flores E.F. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Clinic and pathological findings in dogs naturally infected with canine herpesvirus.] Achados clínicos e patológicos em cães infectados naturalmente por herpesvírus canino. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):637-642. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Descrevem-se os achados clínicos e patológicos e os exames laboratoriais de filhotes de cães com diagnóstico post mortem de infecção por herpesvírus canino. Os casos ocorreram em duas propriedades da Cidade de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, em abril de 2007 e julho de 2008. Clinicamente, os cães apresentaram anorexia, apatia, choro e dispneia. A morte dos cães ocorreu após 24-72 horas do início dos sinais clínicos. Na necropsia observaram-se hemorragia multifocal renal e hepatomegalia com petéquias e pontos brancos na superfície natural do fígado. Os pulmões se apresentaram não-colapsados e vermelhos. Havia esplenomegalia e, em alguns cães, petéquias na superfície capsular do baço. Aumento dos linfonodos mesentéricos e do timo foi observado. Lesões microscópicas incluíram hemorragia e necrose multifocal em células epiteliais tubulares renais, hepatócitos e tecidos linfoides. Nos pulmões, havia necrose alveolar multifocal acentuada com abundante material fibrinoso e infiltrado inflamatório misto de intensidade variada. Ocasionais corpúsculos de inclusão intranucleares em áreas periféricas à necrose foram identificados em hepatócitos, células epiteliais de túbulos renais e células alveolares. Amostras de fígado, rim e pulmão foram positivas na imunofluorescência direta para herpesvírus canino tipo 1 (CHV-1). O diagnóstico de infecção por herpesvírus foi baseado nos achados de necropsia, histológicos e de imunofluorescência positiva em tecidos usando anticorpo anti-CHV-1. De nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro relato da identificação do CHV-1 no Brasil, embora achados clínico-patológicos anteriores já sugerissem a presença do agente na população canina do país.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Flores E.F., Weiblen R, Vogel F.S.F., Dezengrini R., Almeida S.R., Spilki F.R. & Roehe P.M. 2009. [Experimental neuropathogenesis of bovine herpesvirus 5 infection in rabbits.] Neuropatogênese experimental da infecção pelo herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):1-16. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS. Brazil. E-mail: eduardofurtadoflores@gmail.com Several aspects of the biology of bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) have been studied in rabbits, which develop acute infection and neurological disease upon experimental inoculation. The acute infection is followed by the establishment of latent infection, which can be naturally or artificially reactivated. The first experiments in rabbits established a protocol for virus inoculation and monitoring the infection, and characterized the main virological, clinical and pathological aspects of the acute infection. The pathogenesis of acute infection, from the initial viral replication at site of inoculation, pathways and kinetics of viral transport to the brain, distribution and virus replication in the central nervous system (CNS), cellular and tissue tropism, clinical signs and CNS pathology have been extensively studied using this animal model. Subsequently, several biological and molecular aspects of latent BoHV-5 infection have also been elucidated upon inoculation of rabbits. Rabbits have also been used to investigate the phenotype (neuroinvasiveness, neurogrowth) of field isolates and recombinant vaccine candidates, protection by passive immunity, vaccine protection, the efficacy of anti-viral drugs and support therapies for neurological disease. This animal model was also used to investigate the origin and distribution of electric impulses involved in seizures - a hallmark of BoHV-5 induced neurological infection - and also to test the efficacy of anti-convulsivants. In spite of the possible differences between rabbits and cattle - the natural host of the virus - the observations taken from this experimental model have greatly contributed to the knowledge of the biology of BoHV-5 infection. The present article presents a review of the main published and unpublished results and observations by our group, comprising more than a decade of studies on the pathogenesis of BoHV-5 infection in the rabbit model.

• Bovine herpesvirus 5 BoHV-5 rabbits experimental model

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Flores E.F., Weiblen R, Vogel F.S.F., Dezengrini R., Almeida S.R., Spilki F.R. & Roehe P.M. 2009. [Experimental neuropathogenesis of bovine herpesvirus 5 infection in rabbits.] Neuropatogênese experimental da infecção pelo herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):1-16. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS. Brazil. E-mail: eduardofurtadoflores@gmail.com Several aspects of the biology of bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) have been studied in rabbits, which develop acute infection and neurological disease upon experimental inoculation. The acute infection is followed by the establishment of latent infection, which can be naturally or artificially reactivated. The first experiments in rabbits established a protocol for virus inoculation and monitoring the infection, and characterized the main virological, clinical and pathological aspects of the acute infection. The pathogenesis of acute infection, from the initial viral replication at site of inoculation, pathways and kinetics of viral transport to the brain, distribution and virus replication in the central nervous system (CNS), cellular and tissue tropism, clinical signs and CNS pathology have been extensively studied using this animal model. Subsequently, several biological and molecular aspects of latent BoHV-5 infection have also been elucidated upon inoculation of rabbits. Rabbits have also been used to investigate the phenotype (neuroinvasiveness, neurogrowth) of field isolates and recombinant vaccine candidates, protection by passive immunity, vaccine protection, the efficacy of anti-viral drugs and support therapies for neurological disease. This animal model was also used to investigate the origin and distribution of electric impulses involved in seizures - a hallmark of BoHV-5 induced neurological infection - and also to test the efficacy of anti-convulsivants. In spite of the possible differences between rabbits and cattle - the natural host of the virus - the observations taken from this experimental model have greatly contributed to the knowledge of the biology of BoHV-5 infection. The present article presents a review of the main published and unpublished results and observations by our group, comprising more than a decade of studies on the pathogenesis of BoHV-5 infection in the rabbit model.