Responses of Monkeys to California Encephalitis, Sicilian Sand-Fly, and Turlock Arboviruses

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Abstract
Summary Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) can be used for production of monotypic antisera against California encephalitis, Sicilian sand-fly fever, and Turlock arboviruses. Antisera produced with infected smb inoculated intramuscularly were specific in HI tests, and relatively nonspecific in CF tests. In the latter tests, the antisera cross-reacted principally because of nonspecific antibodies directed against normal mouse CNS antigens. Such cross-reactions were not encountered in sera obtained by hyperimmunization with infected cell culture-adjuvant mixtures. Intracerebral inoculation of these viruses in monkeys resulted in fever, and except in one animal, no other signs pathognomonic of CNS disease. Four of six monkeys had low levels of antibodies; all had antibodies following intramuscular boosters. The antibody levels were below those obtained by hyperimmunization with virus-adjuvant mixtures. Pathologic lesions in the CNS of monkeys strongly suggest that California virus produced mild encephalomyelitis. California encephalitis and Turlock viruses were propagated in cell cultures. Sicilian sand-fly virus did not regularly lyse cells of those cultures tried. These three arboviruses were inactivated by treatment with 0.05% beta-propiolactone.