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Viral Association with the Elusive Rickettsia of Viper Plague from Ghana, West Africa
Author(s) -
Kiel Johnathan L.,
Gonzalez Yvette,
Parker Jill E.,
Andrews Carrie,
Martinez Dominique,
Vachiéry Nathalie,
Lefrançois Thierry
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1428.092
Subject(s) - plague (disease) , viper , virology , rickettsia , biology , medicine , virus , ecology , venom , pathology
We previously reported a rickettsial heartwater‐like disease in vipers from Ghana that resembled heartwater in its gross lesions, was apparently transmitted by ticks ( Aponomma and Amblyomma ), and responded clinically favorably to early treatment with tetracycline. Cell culture showed consistent cytopathic effects in bovine endothelial cells, viper cells, and mouse cells, and inhibition of cytopathic effect by tetracycline in vitro . A type D retrovirus was observed in vacuoles in all infected cells. The virus and rickettsia infection was associated with transfer of cytopathic effect, regardless of cell species. Close association of virus and rickettsia may indicate a dual infection etiology of viper plague.