Contact
Cecilia Ley
Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health; Pathology Unit
Telephone: 018-671204
E-mail: cecilia.ley@slu.se
Are rats hosts for the rustrel virus?
Last changed: 12 February 2024
In this study, we want to investigate whether rats can be a reservoir for the rustrel virus. The work includes examining changes in brain tissue from wild rats histologically and performing an immunohistochemical examination for rustrelaviruses.
Are rats hosts for the rustrel virus?
Objectives
In this study we want to investigate whether rats can be a reservoir for the rustrel virus.
Background
Feline wing disease is a serious disease with inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The disease has recently been associated with infection with the rustrel virus. It is not clear how cats are infected with the virus, but the virus has been detected in mice. Whether rats can also be carriers of the virus is unknown.
Project description
The work includes examining changes in brain tissue from wild rats histologically and performing an immunohistochemical examination for rustrelavirus.
Specifications
The project is mainly suitable for those who are interested in pathology and infectious diseases, and are interested in including a laboratory part in the degree project.