Proviral DNA in the brains of goats infected with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus

Archive paraffin wax-embedded sections of brain from goats and kids natural ly infected with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) were examined. Severe leucoencephalitis was present, with infiltration of lymphocytes, pl asma cells and macrophages into the while matter, meninges and choroid plex us. On both CAEV-positive and negative (control) tissues, in-situ polymeras e chain reactions were used to amplify a DNA sequence specific to the provi ral Pol region. In the infected tissues, strong hybridization signals were observed, mainly located in macrophages, microglial cells, astrocytes and o ligodendrocytes, and in the ependymal epithelium and choroid plexus. Positi ve areas were also found in the spinal cord in endothelial cells of small b lood vessels. Some neurons showed a positive reaction. (C) 1999 Harcourt Pu blishers Ltd.