Possible "immuno-protection" of the bovine parvovirus in the uterus: Preliminary communication

Abstract

A pregnant Holstein cow was experimentally inoculated with bovine parvovirus. Approximately five weeks after the last of three injections, the animal aborted a fetus which showed signs of mummification. Virus particles similar to bovine parvovirus were identified by electron microscopy from fetal lung tissue and intestinal contents. Five months after the abortion, the experimental animal died of a corynebacterial metritis and septicemia. Immunofluorescence tests were performed on representative tissues obtained at necropsy. Of all tissues examined only the uterus showed a positive response to the immunofluorescence assay, indicating that the viral antigen persisted in the uterine environment long after its elimination from the systemic circulation.