POTENTIATION OF KEYSTONE VIRUS INFECTION IN COTTON RATS BY GLUCOCORTICOID-INDUCED STRESS

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Abstract
Cotton rats (S. hispidus) were treated daily with corticosteroids and then inoculated with Keystone virus. Viremia and neutralizing antibody profiles were determined in treated and untreated rats. Compared to untreated rats, the treated rats were substantially more susceptible to infection and their viremia lasted much longer. This experimental model suggests that stress associated with excess glucocorticoid synthesis within a natural pooulation could cause an increase in transmission of arboviruses. The effects of stress apparently should be considered when experimental laboratory studies are designed.