Animal model of arthritis and myositis induced by the Mayaro virus

by Franciele Martins Santos, Roberto Sousa Dias, Michelle Dias de Oliveira, Isabella Cristina Toledo Alves Costa, Luciana de Souza Fernandes, Carine Ribeiro Pessoa, S érgio Luis Pinto da Matta, Vivian Vasconcelos Costa, Danielle G. Souza, Cynthia Canêdo da Silva, Sérgio Oliveira de Paula BackgroundThe Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an endemic arbovirus in South American countries, where it is responsible for sporadic outbreaks of Mayaro fever. Clinical manifestations include fever, headache, ocular pain, rash, myalgia, and debilitating and persistent polyarthralgia. Understanding the mechanisms associated with MAYV-induced arthritis is of great importance due to the potential for its emergence, urbanization and dispersion to other regions. Methods15-day old Balb/c mice were infected by two distinct pathways, below the forelimb and in the rear footpad. Animals were observed for a period of 21 days. During this time, they were monitored every 24 hours for disease signs, such as weight loss and muscle weakness. Histological damage in the muscles and joints was evaluated 3, 7, 10, 15 and 20 days post-infection. The cytokine profile in serum and muscles during MAYV infection was evaluated by flow cytometry at different post-infection times. For pain analysis, the animals were submitted to the von Frey test and titre in different organs was evaluated throughout the study to obtain viral kinetics. FindingsInfection by two distinct pathways, below the forelimb and in the rear footpad, res...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research