Macrophage tropism of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus is associated with vascular pathology

To delineate the interactions between rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHD V) and host cells, organ and cellular targets of infection were identified in vivo. Viral specific antigens were detected by immunohistochemistry in l iver, lung, spleen and lymph nodes cells. Also, intravascular infected cell s were detected in most organs including kidneys, myocardium, thymus and ce ntral nervous system. To further characterize infected target cells, viral proteins and cell-specific surface antigens were identified simultaneously in double labeling experiments. Numerous lymphoid organ macrophages, from t he splenic red pulp, circulating monocytes, alveolar macrophages and Kupffe r cells were double labeled, demonstrating that cells of the mononuclear ph agocyte lineage are major hosts for RHDV. Double labeling for other specifi c cell markers were negative. The distribution of viral antigens in these t issues coincided with those areas where cells presented morphology of apopt osis. Association of intravascular monocyte infection and apoptosis, could represent a possible mechanism to develop disseminated intravascular coagul ation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.