Rustrela Virus as Putative Cause of Nonsuppurative Meningoencephalitis in Lions

Retrospective investigation of archived tissue samples from 3 lions displaying nonsuppurative meningoenceph-alitis and vasculitis led to the detection of rustrela virus (RusV). We confirmed RusV antigen and RNA in cortical neurons, axons, astrocytes and Purkinje cells by reverse transcription quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization.

Automated summary

A retrospective investigation of tissue samples from 3 lions revealed the presence of rustrela virus (RusV), which was confirmed through various methods such as PCR, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. RusV antigens and RNA were detected in cortical neurons, axons, astrocytes, and Purkinje cells.