StageBio pathologist Dr. Shannon Kirejczyk authored a 2023 paper to evaluate host responses and virus clearance in Egyptian rousette bats (ERBs) experimentally infected Kasokero virus (KASV) using histopathology and whole-slide digital image analysis. ERBs are considered to be natural reservoirs of KASV and other high-consequence viral pathogens of humans, including marburgviruses.

The study, titled “Pathogenesis of Kasokero virus in experimentally infected Egyptian rousette bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus),” was published in the journal Veterinary Pathology. It concludes that KASV-infected ERBs possess the immune responses necessary to control the systemic viral infection within 20 days. These findings run counter to the belief that bats are zoonotic virus carriers lacking effective mechanisms to combat the viruses.

ERB tissues and KASV infection

ERB tissues from a prior infection study, which evaluated the potential for ERB-to-human Kasokero virus (KASV) transmission, were obtained. The bats were infected with KASV acquired from an argasid tick found in an ERB roost located in Uganda. To determine viral load after intradermal introduction of the virus to the ventral abdominal area, blood and selected tissue samples were taken. Multiple samples tested positive for KASV.

Immune response to KASV infection

According to the study’s findings, KASV induced mild to moderate acute viral hepatitis, and the infected ERBs responded to KASV with a rapid and localized immune response. Viral replication in liver and spleen tissues peaked three days post-infection. Additionally, infected ERB liver tissue samples largely matched those of the non-infected liver tissue samples 20 days post-infection, indicating that ERBs actively control and resolve KASV infection.

Access the paper from Veterinary Pathology to learn more

To learn more about the study’s methods and results, access the published paper here. 
 

About StageBio

StageBio is a leading provider of GLP-compliant necropsy, histology, pathology, and specimen archiving and biorepository services for the biopharmaceutical, medical device, academic, and contract research industries. The company operates four GLP laboratories as well as three GLP specimen archiving facilities in the U.S., along with one GLP laboratory in Europe. StageBio will continue to make investments in facility and technology infrastructure to meet the growing demand for high-quality histopathology services globally. StageBio has a team of 30+ board-certified veterinary pathologists and more than 100 laboratory technicians on staff supporting our unified commitment to quality, scientific integrity, and client satisfaction. Learn more at  stagebio.com.