Interferon Response of the Fetal Rhesus Monkey After Viral Infection

Abstract

Summary

Determination of interferon levels in the fetal rhesus monkey 2 days after Chikungunya virus infection showed that during the first third of gestation the fetus was incapable of producing measurable amounts of interferon. During the second and third periods substantial amounts of circulating interferon (600/900 units/ml) were detected. Viremia was present in all fetuses inoculated with Chikungunya ranging from 10^3.5 to 10^4.0 mouse LD₅₀/ml. Control fetuses inoculated with normal saline did not produce circulating interferon. The possible importance of the interferon system in controlling transplacental viral infections in primates is suggested.