The impact of animal age, bacterial coinfection, and isolate pathogenicity on the shedding of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in aerosols from experimentally infected pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of different variables (animal age, bacterial coinfection, and isolate pathogenicity) on the shedding of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in aerosols. Animals were grouped according to age (2 versus 6 mo) and inoculated with a PRRSV isolate of either low (MN-30100) or high (MN-184) pathogenicity. Selected animals in each group were also inoculated with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. The pigs were anesthetized and aerosol samples (1000 breaths/sample) collected on alternating days from 1 to 21 after PRRSV inoculation. The results indicated that animal age (P = 0.09), M. hyopneumoniae coinfection (P = 0.09), and PRRSV isolate pathogenicity (P = 0.15) did not significantly influence the concentration of PRRSV in aerosols. However, inoculation with the PRRSV MN-184 isolate significantly increased the probability of aerosol shedding (P = 0.00005; odds ratio = 3.22). Therefore, the shedding of PRRSV in aerosols may be isolate-dependent.     

Experimental reproduction of severe disease in CD/CD pigs concurrently infected with type 2 porcine circovirus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Three-week-old cesarean-derived colostrum-deprived (CD/CD) pigs were inoculated with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2, n = 19), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV, n = 13), concurrent PCV2 and PRRSV (PCV2/PRRSV, n = 17), or a sham inoculum (n = 12) to compare the independent and combined effects of these agents. Necropsies were performed at 7, 10, 14, 21, 35, and 49 days postinoculation (dpi) or when pigs became moribund. By 10 dpi, PCV2/PRRSV-inoculated pigs had severe dyspnea, lethargy, and occasional icterus; after 10 dpi, mortality in this group was 10/11 (91%), and all PCV2/ PRRSV-inoculated pigs were dead by 20 dpi. PCV2-inoculated pigs developed lethargy and sporadic icterus, and 8/19 (42%) developed exudative epidermitis; mortality was 5/19 (26%). PRRSV-inoculated pigs developed dyspnea and mild lethargy that resolved by 28 dpi. Microscopic lesions consistent with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) were present in both PCV2- and PCV2/PRRSV-inoculated pigs and included lymphoid depletion, necrotizing hepatitis, mild necrotizing bronchiolitis, and infiltrates of macrophages that occasionally contained basophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in lymphoid and other tissues. PCV2/ PRRSV-inoculated pigs also had severe proliferative interstitial pneumonia and more consistent hepatic lesions. The most severe lesions contained the greatest number of PCV2 antigen-containing cells. PRRSV-inoculated pigs had moderate proliferative interstitial pneumonia but did not develop bronchiolar or hepatic lesions or lymphoid depletion. All groups remained seronegative to porcine parvovirus. The results indicate that 1) PCV2 coinfection increases the severity of PRRSV-induced interstitial pneumonia in CD/CD pigs and 2) PCV2 but not PRRSV induces the lymphoid depletion, granulomatous inflammation, and necrotizing hepatitis characteristic of PMWS.     

Effect of porcine circovirus type 2a or 2b on infection kinetics and pathogenicity of two genetically divergent strains of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in the conventional pig model

To determine differences in infection kinetics of two temporally and genetically different type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) isolates in vivo with and without concurrent porcine circovirus (PCV) type 2a or 2b infection, 62 pigs were randomly assigned to one of seven groups: negative controls (n=8); pigs coinfected with a 1992 PRRSV strain (VR-2385) and PCV2a (CoI-92-2a; n=9), pigs coinfected with VR-2385 and PCV2b (CoI-92-2b; n=9), pigs coinfected with a 2006 PRRSV strain (NC16845b) and PCV2a (CoI-06-2a; n=9), pigs coinfected with NC16845b and PCV2b (CoI-06-2b; n=9), pigs infected with VR-2385 (n=9), and pigs infected with NC16845b (n=9). Blood samples were collected before inoculation and at day post-inoculation (dpi) 3, 6, 9 and 12 and tested for the presence of PRRSV antibody and RNA, PCV2 antibody and DNA, complete blood counts, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels. Regardless of concurrent PCV2 infection, VR-2385 initially replicated at higher levels and reached peak replication levels at dpi 6. Pigs infected with VR-2385 had significantly higher amounts of viral RNA in serum on both dpi 3 and dpi 6, compared to pigs infected with NC16845b. The peak of NC16845b virus replication occurred between dpi 9 and dpi 12 and was associated with a delayed anti-PRRSV antibody response in these pigs. PCV2 coinfection resulted in significantly more severe macroscopic and microscopic lung lesions and a stronger anti-PRRSV IgG response compared to pigs infected with PRRSV alone. This work further emphasizes in vivo replication differences among PRRSV strains and the importance of coinfecting pathogens.     

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) influences infection dynamics of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) subtypes PCV2a and PCV2b by prolonging PCV2 viremia and shedding

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection on porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) subtypes a (PCV2a) or b (PCV2b) viremia and shedding characteristics in oral, nasal and fecal samples in experimentally infected pigs. Twenty-three, 2- to 6-week-old pigs were randomly divided into five groups: negative control (n=3), PCV2a-I (n=5), PCV2a-PRRSV-CoI (n=5), PCV2b-I (n=5), and PCV2b-PRRSV-CoI (n=5). Blood, oral, nasal and fecal swabs were collected in regular intervals from day post inoculation (dpi) 0 until dpi 70 and tested by quantitative real-time PCR for the presence and amount of PCV2 DNA and by ELISA for the presence of PCV2-specific antibodies. The results indicate that there were significantly (P<0.05) higher loads of PCV2a and PCV2b DNA in serum, oral swabs, nasal swabs and fecal swabs and a higher prevalence of detectable PCV2 antigen in tissues of pigs concurrently infected with PCV2 and PRRSV compared to pigs singularly infected with PCV2 further confirming that PRRSV enhances replication of PCV2. Moreover, PRRSV infection significantly prolonged the presence of PCV2 DNA in serum and increased the amount of PCV2 DNA in oral and nasal secretions and fecal excretions in the later stages of infection between dpi 28 and 70. Shedding patterns were similar between groups infected with PCV2a and PCV2b, indicating that there was no subtype-specific interaction with the PRRSV isolate used in this study. The results from this study highlight the interaction between PRRSV and PCV2 and the importance of controlling PRRSV infection in order to reduce PCV2 virus loads in pig populations.     

Pathogenicity of an Indian isolate of bovine viral diarrhea virus 1b in experimentally infected calves

The aim of this study was to determine the pathogenicity of an Indian bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) 1b isolate in 7-9-months-old male calves. Infected (four) and control (two) calves were bled at three days interval for hematological, virological and serological studies until day 27. All infected calves developed respiratory illness, biphasic pyrexia, mild diarrhea, leucopenia and mild thrombocytopenia. Viraemia was demonstrated between 3 and 15dpi and the infected calves seroconverted by 15dpi. Prominent kidney lesions were endothelial cell swelling, proliferation of mesangial cells and podocytes leading to glomerular space obliteration. Degeneration and desquamation of cells lining seminiferous tubules were observed in two infected calves. Consolidation of lungs with interstitial pneumonia, mild gastroenteritis and systemic spread were also evident. It was concluded that Indian BVDV isolate induced moderate clinical disease in calves and glomerulonephritis resulting from acute BVDV infection was observed for the first time.     

Evaluation of the effects of animal age, concurrent bacterial infection, and pathogenicity of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus on virus concentration in pigs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influences of animal age, bacterial coinfection, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) isolate pathogenicity on virus concentration in pigs. ANIMALS: Twenty-one 2-month-old pigs and eighteen 6-month-old pigs. PROCEDURE: Pigs were grouped according to age and infected with mildly virulent or virulent isolates of PRRSV. The role of concurrent bacterial infection was assessed by infecting selected pigs with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae 21 days prior to inoculation with PRRSV. On alternating days, blood and swab specimens of nasal secretions and oropharyngeal secretions were collected. On day 21 after inoculation with PRRSV, selected tissues were harvested. Concentrations of PRRSV were determined by use of quantitative real-time PCR and expressed in units of TCID(50) per milliliter (sera and swab specimens) or TCID(50) per gram (tissue specimens). RESULTS: Concentrations of virus were higher in blood and tonsils of pigs infected with virulent PRRSV. Pigs infected with virulent PRRSV and M hyopneumoniae had significantly higher concentrations of viral RNA in lymphoid and tonsillar tissue. Coinfection with M hyopneumoniae resulted in a higher viral load in oropharyngeal swab specimens and blood samples, independent of virulence of the PRRSV isolate. Two-month-old pigs had significantly higher viral loads in lymph nodes, lungs, and tracheal swab specimens than did 6-month-old pigs, independent of virulence of the PRRSV isolate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Multiple factors affect PRRSV concentration in pigs, including pathogenicity of the PRRSV isolate, age, and concurrent infection with M hyopneumoniae.     

猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒核酸在仔猪呼吸及繁殖系统动态分布的研究

应用针对 PRRSV ATCC VR- 2 332株基因组 ORF6片段的 4 6 3bp的 c DNA探针 ,对 4 5日龄 SPF仔猪分别人工感染 ATCC VR- 2 332株及北京分离株 B96 - 4后不同时间呼吸系统及繁殖系统组织中病毒核酸的分布进行了研究。结果显示 ,在感染后 30 h,即可在鼻黏膜、气管、肺脏、睾丸、附睾、精囊、前列腺、子宫、扁桃体等组织中检出阳性杂交信号 ,且一直持续到感染后 2 8天。其中扁桃体中病毒的数目远多于呼吸系统及繁殖系统组织中的数目 ,说明扁桃体可作为活体检查的目的器官之一     

Enhanced expression of TGFβ protein in lymphoid organs and lung, but not in serum, of pigs infected with a European field isolate of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is an immunomodulatory cytokine which is able to modulate the host immune response eliciting an inefficient response against pathogens. In this sense, the role of this cytokine in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has been poorly studied and the reported results are contradictory. Thus, in the present study, the expression of TGFβ was analysed both at tissue (lymphoid organs and lung) and serum level to study its correlation with the expression of PRRS virus (PRRSV). To carry out this study, 32 pigs were inoculated with the European PRRSV field isolate 2982 and sequentially killed from 0 dpi to the end of the study (24 dpi). Blood and tissue samples were collected to determine the expression of PRRSV and TGFβ. PRRSV was detected in inoculated animals from 3 dpi until the end of the study, however TGFβ was not detected in sera from inoculated animals. Contrary, an increase of TGFβ antigen was observed both in the lymphoid organs and in the lung of PRRSV-inoculated pigs when compared with control group. Since TGFβ play a role as an immunomodulatory cytokine of the immune response and also in the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), the upregulation of the TGFβ at tissue level may play a role in the impairment of the host immune response observed during PRRS, being observed a significant correlation between PRRSV and TGFβ expression at lung level.     

Study on Differential Expression of PRRSV Receptor Genes in Lung Tissues of Different Breeds of Pig Infected with HP-PRRSV

In order to understand the molecular mechanism of host susceptibility differential to highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (HP-PRRSV) infection among three breeds of pig, Tibetan pig,ZangMei Black and Yorkshire,the mRNA level of five reported PRRSV receptor genes (HSPG2,SIGLEC1,CD163,VIM and NMMHC-ⅡA) expressed in lung were investigated on 0,4, 7 and 14 days post infection (dpi) with HP-PRRSV JXA1 isolate.The Real-time RT-PCR results showed that the expression of HSPG2 in Tibetan pig increased significantly on 4 and 14 dpi and decreased significantly on 7 dpi compared with the expression on 0 dpi (P < 0.05), and its expression in ZangMei Black on 14 dpi was significantly higher than that of on 7 dpi (P < 0.05);An increased expression of SIGLEC1 in Tibetan pig was observed on 4 and 14 dpi (P < 0.05), and a decreased expression of the same gene was detected in Yorkshire on 4,7 and 14 dpi (P < 0.05);The expression of CD163 elevated significantly on 14 dpi in both Tibetan pig and ZangMei Black (P < 0.05), however its expression reduced significantly on 7 and 14 dpi in Yorkshire (P < 0.05); The expression of VIM gene was significantly higher on 7 dpi in Tibetan pig and significantly lower on 7 dpi in Yorkshire (P < 0.05); And the expression of NMMHC-ⅡA was significantly higher on 4 dpi in ZangMei Black, which was also significantly higher in Yorkshire on 4 and 14 dpi (P < 0.05).In conclusion, SIGLEC1 and VIM might be important genes to influence the host resistance of Tibetan pig,ZangMei Black and Yorkshire to HP-PRRSV infection.     

Respiratory function and pulmonary lesions in pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Pulmonary dysfunction was evaluated in pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV, isolate VR-2332) and compared to clinical and pathological findings. Infected pigs developed fever, reduced appetite, respiratory distress and dullness at 9 days post-inoculation (dpi). Non-invasive pulmonary function tests using impulse oscillometry and rebreathing of test gases (He, CO) revealed peripheral airway obstruction, reduced lung compliance and reduced lung CO-transfer factor. PRRSV-induced pulmonary dysfunction was most marked at 9–18 dpi and was accompanied by a significantly increased respiratory rate and decreased tidal volume. Expiration was affected more than inspiration. On histopathological examination, multifocal areas of interstitial pneumonia (more severe and extensive at 10 dpi than 21 dpi) were identified as a possible structural basis for reduced lung compliance and gas exchange disturbances.     

猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒NSP2基因不同变异毒株对仔猪致病性研究

为了评价猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒(PRRSV)不同分离毒株致病性差异,选择4株PRRSV分离毒株,即YX0907、BB0907、SY0909(属于NSP2基因亚型Ⅰ,具有30aa缺失特征)和NT0801(属于NSP2基因亚型Ⅱ,其NSP2上不存在缺失)进行动物接种试验。将23头45日龄PRRSV、猪圆环病毒2型和副猪嗜血杆菌阴性健康仔猪随机分为5组,第1～4组各5头猪,分别颈部肌内注射上述4株PRRSV分离株(均为第3代)2×104.32TCID50.(mL.头)-1,第5组3头猪作为空白对照,隔离饲养21d,每天观察临床症状。攻毒后不同时间测定病毒血症,并对死亡猪和第21天处死猪进行病理剖解、观察大体病理变化和组织病理变化。结果显示,BB0907毒株毒力最强,试验猪感染后体温明显升高,临床症状明显,可引起3/5死亡,病猪肺脏组织具有明显病理变化;YX0907毒株毒力较强,试验猪临床症状和病理变化明显,可引起2/5死亡;NT0801毒力较弱,部分试验猪感染后出现1～2d体温升高和轻度临床症状,未引起死亡;SY0909毒株毒力最弱,感染猪出现1～3d体温升高,临床症状不明显,病理变化较轻;而对照猪无临床异常表现和...     

Genetic variation analysis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus isolated in China from 2002 to 2007 based on ORF5

The complete open reading frame 5 (ORF5) sequences of 34 field porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) isolates from China in 2002–2007 were detected and compared with the different variable Chinese isolates S1, CH-1a, HB-1, HB-2 and JXA1. The results showed that all isolates were of type 2 PRRSV and could be assigned to two clusters. The isolates in cluster sg1 was high similar with the highly pathogenic PRRSV strain JXA1, while sg2 clustered with type 2 PRRSV isolate VR2332. It was interesting that the isolate SH02 which was isolated from Shanghai in 2002 has 98.8% identity with JXA1 emerged in 2006. And the ZJJ07 isolate was found to be a natural recombinant between a Chinese highly pathogenic SY0608 isolate and a VR-2332 derivative NH04 isolate. Analysis of the potential glycosylation sites indicated that they were frequently mutated and formed five putative N-linked glycosylation (NGS) sites patterns based on N30, 33–35, 44 and 51 in those isolates. It indicated that the highly variable PRRSV strain with different NGS patterns spread widely in China. The great genetic diversity could be taken into consideration for the control and prevention of this disease.     

猪繁殖-呼吸综合征活疫苗对仔猪的安全性试验

本试验用猪繁殖-呼吸综合征（PRRS）活疫苗和国内分离的PRRS强毒CH—1a株接种PRRS阴性的断奶仔猪，分别在接种后的3、7、14d各剖杀1头，取各脏器分别做冰冻切片和病理切片观察。用间接免疫荧光法检测各脏器PRRS病毒的分布。结果表明，PRRS活疫苗在免疫初期，抗原主要分布在脾脏、淋巴结，其次是肾脏和肺脏，少见于肝脏和心脏，第14d时在脾、淋巴结和肾脏有一定量的抗原，而肺脏相比则数量很少，肝脏和心脏未检到PRRS病毒抗原的存在，表明接种PRRS活疫苗随着时间的推移抗原分布呈下降趋势。而强毒抗原分布以脾脏最多，依次是肾脏、肺脏、淋巴结、肝脏、心脏，接种后第14d仍能在各脏器检到PRRS病毒抗原。病理组织学检测结果表明，活疫苗产生以下颌淋巴结、脾脏增生为特征的免疫应答，组织损伤轻微，对肺的病变较少，且仔猪生长良好。强毒则引起以大面积的肺泡隔增宽为特点的间质性肺炎和微循环障碍的病理变化，淋巴小结、脾脏滤泡发生崩解与周围界限不清，个别淋巴细胞核浓缩，组织损伤严重。本试验表明弱毒疫苗对仔猪是安全的。     

不同品种猪感染HP-PRRSV后肺组织间PRRSV受体基因差异表达的研究

为进一步了解藏猪、藏梅猪和大约克夏猪对高致病性猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒（HP-PRRSV） JXA1分离株具有不同易感性的分子机理,本研究建立实时荧光定量RT-PCR方法比较分析藏猪、藏梅猪和大约克夏猪感染JXA1分离株前、感染后4、7和14 d肺脏中HSPG2、SIGLEC1、CD163、VIM和NMMHC-ⅡA 5个PRRSV受体基因的差异表达情况。结果显示,藏猪感染JXA1分离株后4和14 d肺脏中HSPG2的表达量显著高于感染前（P < 0.05）,而感染后7 d HSPG2的表达量显著低于感染前（P < 0.05）,藏梅猪在感染后14 d HSPG2的表达量显著高于感染后7 d（P < 0.05）;藏猪感染后4和14 d肺脏中SIGLEC1的表达量显著高于感染前（P < 0.05）,大约克夏猪感染后4、7和14 d SIGLEC1的表达量均显著低于感染前（P < 0.05）;藏猪和藏梅猪感染后14 d肺脏中CD163的表达量均显著高于感染前（P < 0.05）,大约克夏猪则感染后7和14 d均显著低于感染前（P < 0.05）;藏猪感染后7 d肺脏中VIM的表达量显著高于感染前（P < 0.05）,大约克夏猪在感染后7 d显著低于感染前（P < 0.05）;藏梅猪感染后4 d肺脏中NMMHC-ⅡA的表达量显著高于感染前（P < 0.05）,大约克夏猪在感染后4和14 d NMMHC-ⅡA的表达量显著高于感染前（P < 0.05）。结果表明,5个PRRSV受体基因中,SIGLEC1和VIM基因可能是影响藏猪、藏梅猪和大约克夏猪对JXA1分离株易感性存在差异的潜在关键基因。     

Characterization of homologous and heterologous adaptive immune responses in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection

The present study characterized the homologous and heterologous immune response in type-I porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. Two experiments were conducted: in experiment 1, eight pigs were inoculated with PRRSV strain 3262 and 84 days post-inoculation (dpi) they were challenged with either strain 3262 or strain 3267 and followed for the next 14 days (98 dpi). In experiment 2, eight pigs were inoculated with strain 3267 and challenged at 84 dpi as above. Clinical course, viremia, humoral response (neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies, NA) and virus-specific IFN-γ responses (ELISPOT) were evaluated all throughout the study. Serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and TGF-β were determined (ELISA) after the second challenge. In experiment 1 primo-inoculation with strain 3262 induced viremia of ≤ 28 days, low titres of homologous NA but strong IFN-γ responses. In contrast, strain 3267 induced longer viremias (up to 56 days), higher NA titres (≤ 6 log₂) and lower IFN-γ responses. Inoculation with 3267 produced higher serum IL-8 levels. After the re-challenge at 84 dpi, pigs in experiment 1 developed mostly a one week viremia regardless of the strain used. In experiment 2, neither the homologous nor the heterologous challenge resulted in detectable viremia although PRRSV was present in tonsils of some animals. Homologous re-inoculation with 3267 produced elevated TGF-β levels in serum for 7–14 days but this did not occur with the heterologous re-inoculation. In conclusion, inoculation with different PRRSV strains result in different virological and immunological outcomes and in different degrees of homologous and heterologous protection.     

PRRSV分离株GP3蛋白ORF3基因克隆及序列分析

为研究宁夏地区猪繁殖与呼吸综合征(PRRS)的流行规律,应用RT-PCR的方法从PRRSV分离株GP3蛋白中扩增出ORF3基因cDNA片段。结果显示,ORF3基因全长765 bp,编码254个氨基酸,与北美型毒株VR-2332的同源性达到85%以上,与欧洲型毒株LV的同源性低于60%,与国内近3年主要流行毒株JXA1、HEB1、HUB2亲缘性较近。对PRRSV分离株的亲水性分析表明,GP3蛋白的前57位氨基酸为疏水性信号肽序列;对PRRSV分离株GP3蛋白抗原表位分析表明,与国内外其他毒株抗原表位预测的结果基本一致,说明PRRSV分离株GP3蛋白具有与其他毒株相近的抗原特性。     

High rate of transplacental infection and transmission of Neospora caninum following experimental challenge of cattle at day 210 of gestation

In order to investigate the pathogenesis of neosporosis following a primary infection in late pregnancy, cattle were subcutaneously challenged with 5 × 10⁸Neospora caninum (NC1 isolate) tachyzoites at day 210 of gestation and serial necropsies were then carried out at 14, 28, 42 and 56 days post-infection (dpi). No abortions occurred and all the foetuses were viable at the time of euthanasia. There was a high rate of vertical transmission, as parasites were detected by immunohistochemical labelling and PCR in all the foetuses from 28 dpi. Focal necrotic lesions were observed in the placentomes of the placenta from 28 dpi and showed resolution during later time points, denoted by infiltration of inflammatory cells at 42 dpi and fibrosis at 56 dpi. Foetuses at 28 and 42 dpi showed scarce and isolated lesions which are unlikely to represent a threat to foetal viability. No lesions were observed in the foetuses at 14 or 56 dpi suggesting control of the infection and resolution of the lesions by maternal and foetal immune responses. Once infection was established, it could not be cleared from the host and vertical transmission of the parasite occurred in all infected hosts. Parasite was detected in the placenta at 28 dpi, while in previous experimental infections of cattle at day 70 and 140 of gestation using the same challenge model, it was already present at day 14 post infection. This suggests that a change in the maternal immune response plays a crucial role in limiting the initial infection during the last term of pregnancy.     

Distribution of viral antigen and tissue lesions in persistent and acute infection with the homologous strain of noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus.

Viral distribution and lesions were compared between calves born with persistent infection (PI) and calves acutely infected with the same bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) isolate. Two PI calves from 1 dairy herd were necropsied. The PI viruses from these calves were isolated, characterized by sequencing, and found to be identical. This virus strain, designated BVDV2-RS886, was characterized as a noncytopathic (ncp) type 2 BVDV. To establish acute infections, BVDV2-RS886 was used to inoculate clinically healthy, seronegative calves which were 3 weeks to 3 months old. Nine calves received 10(6)-10(7) tissue culture infective dose of BVDV2-RS886 intranasally. Four additional age-matched animals served as noninfected controls. Infected calves were necropsied at 3, 6, 9, or 13 days postinoculation (dpi). Viral antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry in frozen sections, and lesions were evaluated in hematoxylin eosin-stained paraplast sections. In the PI calves, a wide distribution of viral antigen was found in all tissues and was not associated with lesions. In the acutely infected calves, viral antigen was widespread in lymphoid tissues at 6 dpi but had been mostly eliminated at 9 and 13 dpi. Depletion of lymphoid tissues was seen at 6, 9, and 13 dpi and repopulation at 9 and 13 dpi. In 1 of the calves at 13 dpi, severe arteritis was present in lymph nodes and myocardium. This comparison shows that an ncp BVDV strain that causes no lesions in PI animals is able to induce marked depletion of lymphoid tissues in calves with acute infection. Therefore, the failure to eliminate PI cattle from a herd causes problems not only in pregnant cattle but may also affect other age groups.