Studies on the neurotropic virus of horsesickness I. Neurotropic fixation

Abstract

l. Reference is made to the previous reports on the susceptibility to horsesickness of animals other than equines. 2. The technique for the neurotropic adaptation and maintenance of a strain of virus is described in detail. 3. Direct intra-cranial injection is the only certain method of setting up the disease. The subcutaneous, intra-muscular and intraperitoneal routes are uncertain and unsatisfactory. The disease is not transmitted per os or by direct or indirect contact. 4. The symptoms and course of the disease are detailed. 5. The virus multiplies and remains concentrated in the brain. It spreads centrifugally down the cord to the peripheral nerves and appears to be exclusively neurophilic. The localization of the virus is discussed. 6. In guinea-pigs the essential features of the disease are similar to those in mice. The febrile nature of the reaction is described. 7. Symptoms, course, localization of the virus and methods of infection are described. 8. The susceptibility of the rat and the course of the disease is described and discussed. 9. The methods adopted to identify the disease excitant transmitted to and maintained in mice, guinea-pigs and rats are described. 10. Attention is directed to the susceptibility of Tatera lobengula and Mastomys coucha and to the insusceptibility of the rabbit.