Some Characteristics of Machupo Virus, Causative Agent of Bolivian Hemorrhagic Fever

P. A. Webb U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Middle America Research Unit, Balboa Heights, Canal Zone

Search for other papers by P. A. Webb in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
K. M. Johnson U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Middle America Research Unit, Balboa Heights, Canal Zone

Search for other papers by K. M. Johnson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
R. B. Mackenzie U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Middle America Research Unit, Balboa Heights, Canal Zone

Search for other papers by R. B. Mackenzie in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
M. L. Kuns U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Middle America Research Unit, Balboa Heights, Canal Zone

Search for other papers by M. L. Kuns in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

Summary

Certain properties of Machupo virus are reported. These include presence of RNA, pH stability in the range of 6.0 to 9.0, rapid thermal inactivation at temperatures of 25°C and higher, and more effective stabilization of infectivity titers after prolonged storage (1 year) at -70°C in media containing protein supplements.

Parenteral inoculation of infant hamsters and mice with Machupo virus resulted in observable illness and death, or both, the LD50 and ID50 being roughly comparable. Inapparent infection in adult animals was detected by the presence of CF and N antibody. A variety of domestic and wild animals proved to be either resistant to the virus or susceptible only in a clinically inapparent manner. The Central American marmoset, Saguinus geoffroyi, was found to be a clinically susceptible animal. Illness and death occurred after administration of virus subcutaneously or by scarification.

Author Notes

Present address: The Rockefeller Foundation, Bogotá, Colombia.

Past two years Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 2002 1175 333
Full Text Views 72 10 1
PDF Downloads 56 1 0
 

 

 

 
 
Affiliate Membership Banner
 
 
Research for Health Information Banner
 
 
CLOCKSS
 
 
 
Society Publishers Coalition Banner
Save