Human respiratory syncytial virus infection in the pre-clinical calf model

Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 2019 Aug:65:213-218. doi: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.04.006. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

Abstract

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the most important respiratory pathogen in young children worldwide. Experimental modelling of hRSV disease by bovine RSV (bRSV) infection in calves provides an important tool for developing new strategies for prevention and treatment. Depending on the scientific hypothesis under investigation, this cognate host-virus model might have the disadvantage of using a highly related but not genetically identical virus. In this study, we aim to describe viral kinetics and (clinical) disease characteristics in calves inoculated with hRSV. Our results show that hRSV infects the upper and, to a lesser extent, the lower respiratory tract of calves. Infection causes upper airway clinical disease symptoms and neutrophilic infiltration of the lower airways. We conclude that a hRSV model in calves may aid future research involving distinct scientific questions related to hRSV disease in children.

Keywords: Animal model; Bronchiolitis; Calves; Neutrophil; Respiratory syncytial virus; Upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Female
  • Host Microbial Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / virology
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / immunology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / veterinary
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Bovine* / physiology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human* / physiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / immunology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / veterinary
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / virology