Ultrastructural immunohistochemical localization of poliovirus during virulent infection of mice.

Abstract

Ultrastructural immunohistochemistry was used to localize type 2 human poliovirus (HPV 2) during virulent infection of mice caused by the Lansing strain. In the spinal cord, immune-reaction product was exclusively localized within neurons and their processes. The absence of viral antigen in glial, endothelial and inflammatory cells further supports the strict neuronotropicity of HPV. In addition, viral antigen and virus-like particles were localized in synaptic complexes and axons, including preterminal axons. This clear demonstration of HPV in neuronal cell bodies, their axons, and synaptic elements strongly supports the hypothesis of HPV dissemination in the central nervous system via axonal transport.