Encephalitis induced by a canine distemper virus in squirrel monkeys.

Intracerebral inoculation with canine distemper virus (CDV) caused acute neurological signs of viral encephalitis in squirrel monkeys. Electroencephalogram revealed an abnormal sharp wave and seizure discharges resembling those of epilepsy. There was parenchymal inflammation, perivascular cuffs, neuronal degeneration, and glial reactions. Virus antigen was detected immunohistologically in the neurons and ependymal cells. Thus, CDV infection in squirrel monkeys provides an animal model for viral encephalitis and epilepsy.