Effect of Ribavirin on Junin Virus Infection in Guinea Pigs

M. Salazar, N. E. Yun, A. L. Poussard, J. N. Smith, J. K. Smith, O. A. Kolokoltsova, M. J. Patterson, J. Linde, S. Paessler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Junin virus (JUNV) is the aetiological agent of Argentine haemorrhagic fever. The pathogenesis of the infection is not well understood, no licensed vaccines exist and no specific antiviral therapy is available. Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of ribavirin to delay and reduce JUNV disease and virus burden in guinea pigs without preventing death. Based on available data, we performed three different studies to determine the efficacy of ribavirin against JUNV in the guinea pig model with a focus on survival. Different doses and treatment schedules of ribavirin were tested in a lethal model of JUNV infection. Our results show that prolonged treatment with high doses of ribavirin significantly reduces the mortality in guinea pigs infected with JUNV. These results may be useful in future experimental studies or clinical testing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)278-285
Number of pages8
JournalZoonoses and Public Health
Volume59
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2012

Keywords

  • Animal model
  • Antiviral therapy
  • Argentine haemorrhagic fever
  • Junin virus
  • Ribavirin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Veterinary
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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