Early mortality following intracerebral infection with the Oshima strain of tick-borne encephalitis virus in a mouse model.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a zoonotic agent that causes acute central nervous system (CNS) disease in humans. In this study, we examined the pathogenic process following intracerebral infection with the Oshima strain of TBEV in a mouse model. Intracerebral infection resulted in dose-dependent mortality, and all mice died following challenge with 10(2) PFU or more of the virus within 10 days. Acutely necrotic neurons and widespread inflammation were observed throughout the CNS. We therefore conclude that mortality following intracerebral infection results from a direct CNS pathology.