Replication and pathogenesis of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus in mammalian models

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the replication and pathogenic properties of a Korean pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus isolate in ferrets and mice. Ferrets infected with A/Korea/01/2009 (H1N1) virus showed mild clinical signs. The virus replicated well in lungs and slightly in brains with no replication in any other organs. Severe bronchopneumonia and thickening of alveolar walls were detected in the lungs. Viral antigens were detected in the bronchiolar epithelial cells, in peribronchial glands with severe peribronchitis and in cells present in the alveoli. A/Korea/01/2009 (H1N1) virus-infected mice showed weight loss and pathological lung lesions including perivascular cuffing, interstitial pneumonia and alveolitis. The virus replicated highly in the lungs and slightly in the nasal tissues. Viral antigens were detected in bronchiolar epithelial cells, pneumocytes and interstitial macrophages. However, seasonal H1N1 influenza virus did not replicate in the lungs of ferrets, and viral antigens were not detected. Thus, this Korean pandemic (H1N1) 2009 isolate infected the lungs of ferrets and mice successfully and caused more pathological lesions than did the seasonal influenza virus.