Virological Studies on Experimental Infection of Pregnant Mice with Influenza Virus

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Abstract
Pregnant mice were infected with the PR8 strain of influenza A virus and the penetration of the virus through the placenta and the growth of virus in the embryo were examined. By using 32p labeled virus, quick and easy penetration of the virus through the placenta was proved. In this study, the virus was given to pregnant mice by intravenous injection. As a result significant accumulation of radioactivity was found in the embryo. Pregnant mice were infected by inhalation of the virus mist, and the growth of virus both in maternal lung and embryonal lung and brain allowed good growth of virus. Growth in the placenta was also proved but its maximum was found rather at the late stage of infection. Almost the same results were obtained both with fluorescent antibody and in histopathological studies. Pregnant mice were infected with a small amount of inoculum by means of inhalation, and its effects on the progress of pregnancy and on the growth of embryo were investigated. When the pregnant mice were sacrificed before delivery, a significant increase in number of absorbed fetuses was found. Moreover, the rate of stillbirth was increased and the survival rate of newborns delivered from infected mothers was decreased.

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