P.044 Laboratory response to an imported case of Marburg hemorrhagic fever

Abstract

After intracerebral challenge with 100 PFU of Lassa virus (strain Josiah), all infected mice (CBA/calac) died (control group). Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) significantly increased in the blood of these mice during the infection. For neutralization of increasing concentrations of these cytokines recombinant IL-1RA was used intraperitonealy at a dose 100 μg kg−1, everyday, within 5 days from the third day after the challenge. Injections of IL-1RA decreased the concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α and resulted in survival of all infected mice (treatment group). Marburg fever (strain Popp) caused in guinea pigs by 5 LD50 of virus lead to the significant increase of TNF-α in the animal’s blood and caused a lethal outcome (control group). Treatment of infected guinea pigs by IL-1RA or anti-TNF serum decreased the concentration of TNF-α and resulted in survival of half of the animals (treatment group). For the treatment recombinant IL-1RA was used at a dose 100 μg kg−1, intramuscularly, everyday, within 6 days from the third day after the challenge or anti-TNF serum, intramuscularly 0.5 ml (2000 U ml−1; 1 U of the antiserum neutralises 0.03 ng of TNF-α), everyday, within 6 days from the third day after the challenge.