Detection of the Maedi Visna Virus in the popliteal lymph nodes of sheep infected by the respiratory route

摘要

Maedi Visna Virus is a Lentivirus of the Retroviridae family which causes a chronic lymphoproliferative disease in the lungs (Maedi), central nervous system (Visna), udder and joints in sheep. The MVV genome is a dimer of RNA which is reverse transcribed into proviral DNA, some of which will be integrated into the chromosomal DNA of the host cells. The infection persists for life in sheep, despite a humoral and cellular immune response (Pepin et al. 1998).