Transmission of influenza B viruses in the guinea pig

J Virol. 2012 Apr;86(8):4279-87. doi: 10.1128/JVI.06645-11. Epub 2012 Feb 1.

Abstract

Epidemic influenza is typically caused by infection with viruses of the A and B types and can result in substantial morbidity and mortality during a given season. Here we demonstrate that influenza B viruses can replicate in the upper respiratory tract of the guinea pig and that viruses of the two main lineages can be transmitted with 100% efficiency between inoculated and naïve animals in both contact and noncontact models. Our results also indicate that, like in the case for influenza A virus, transmission of influenza B viruses is enhanced at colder temperatures, providing an explanation for the seasonality of influenza epidemics in temperate climates. We therefore present, for the first time, a small animal model with which to study the underlying mechanisms of influenza B virus transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Influenza B virus*
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / pathology
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / transmission*
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / pathology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / virology
  • Temperature
  • Virus Replication / physiology
  • Virus Shedding