新型H7N9病毒在同居小鼠中的传播途径

目的进一步了解新型H7N9流感病毒的致病性、传播能力以及通过何种途径进行传播。方法 H7N9病毒感染小鼠后与同居小鼠合笼,研究同居小鼠的临床变化指征、病毒复制情况、病毒在组织中的分布以及病理变化。以同居小鼠分泌物接种其他小鼠,观察同居小鼠通过何种途径传播病毒。结果 H7N9病毒可以在肺组织、肠组织和脑组织中复制,并可以在同居小鼠中传播。H7N9病毒感染小鼠其咽、眼分泌物以及粪便均具有感染性,其中尤以咽拭子的传播风险最高。结论 H7N9病毒可以不通过适应就感染小鼠,并引起小鼠间传播。被感染小鼠分泌物具有感染性。

Transmission routes of H7N9 influenza virus between mice in cohabitation

Objective Increasing number of human infection caused by the novel avian-origin H7N9 subtype influenza virus underscores the need to better understand the pathogenesis and transmissibility of this virus in mammals. Methods Mice inoculated with H7N9 influenza virus and put into the cage with naive mice, which were then specifically measured their clinical signs, virus shedding, tissue dissemination and pathology. The secretion from the cohabitant mice was inoculated to other normal mice to analyze the possible transmission routes. Results H7N9 influenza virus replicated in the lung, intestine and brain of the experimental mice. It was worth noting that H7N9 virus could transmit between mice in close contact by mucosa and fecal-oral routes, with the highest concentration of virus found in pharyngeal secretions. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that the avian-origin H7N9 subtype influenza virus can infect mice without adaptation and spreads by mouse-to-mouse transmission. The secretions of infected mice are source of infection for mice in direct contact, and it is similar to the influenza virus transmission between humans.