Table 1.
Detection of WT RCMV, ΔIE1ex4 and RevIE1ex4 in Sprague–Dawley rats at different time points after infection
Acute infection was monitored in spleens 3 days post-infection (six animals each) and in salivary glands 16 days post-infection (eight animals each). WT virus and RevIE1ex4 could be detected in all spleens and salivary glands, whereas ΔIE1ex4 was only detectable in five of eight salivary glands with an approx. 10-fold lower amount of virus present. ΔIE1ex4 was also found in only four of 12 animals in salivary glands 120 days post-infection. In contrast to WT virus and RevIE1ex4, ΔIE1ex4 could only be reactivated from one of 12 spleens ex vivo.
| Virus detected in: | WT | RevIE1ex4 | ΔIE1ex4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute infection | |||
| Spleen day 3 | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| Salivary gland day 16 | 8/8 | 8/8 | 5/8* |
| Persistent virus 120 days p.i. | |||
| Spleen | 0/12 | 0/12 | 0/12 |
| Salivary gland | 12/12 | 12/12 | 4/12 |
| Reactivated virus 120 days p.i. | |||
| Spleen | 12/12 | 12/12 | 1/12 |
*Approx. 10-fold less virus than WT.