Evaluation of pregnant rabbits as a laboratory model for bovid herpesvirus-4 infection

Am J Vet Res. 1990 Apr;51(4):640-4.

Abstract

A field strain (87-8363) of bovid herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4) isolated from an aborted bovine fetus was used to inoculate pregnant rabbits. Eleven rabbits in midgestation were alloted to 4 groups consisting of 3 infected groups and 1 control group. Rabbits were inoculated with BHV-4 or mock-infected cell culture preparations via IV, intravaginal, and intrauterine routes. Mild vulvovaginitis and endometritis were observed after intravaginal and IV inoculation of BHV-4, whereas intrauterine inoculation of BHV-4 resulted in abortion of hemorrhagic fetuses and nonsuppurative endometritis. Virus was successfully isolated from organ explants of fetal tissues. Rabbits seroconverted 1 week after infection as detected by results of an indirect immunofluorescence assay.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Female
  • Herpesviridae / isolation & purification
  • Herpesviridae / pathogenicity*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / etiology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pregnancy
  • Rabbits*
  • Uterine Diseases / microbiology
  • Uterine Diseases / veterinary*
  • Vaginal Diseases / microbiology
  • Vaginal Diseases / veterinary*