Serial Histopathological Examination of the Lungs of Mice Infected with Influenza A Virus PR8 Strain

Authors: Masaya Fukushi, Tateki Ito, Teruaki Oka, Toshio Kitazawa, Tohru Miyoshi-Akiyama, Teruo Kirikae, Makoto Yamashita, Koichiro Kudo

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021207

Abstract Summary

Researchers found that severe influenza progresses from initial interstitial pneumonia to fatal diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) with lung collapse in mice. All mice developing DAD died within 9 days, while survivors showed different lung changes. This suggests preventing DAD progression could reduce mortality in severe flu cases—critical since current ARDS treatments remain ineffective.

Why Brain? 🧠

Mouse study reveals influenza virus causes fatal lung damage through diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). Preventing DAD development may reduce mortality in severe viral pneumonia, offering new treatment targets.

License: CC BY.

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