Antiviral activity of an ether extracted nonviable preparation of Brucella abortus

Abstract

Extraction of living Brucella abortus (strain 456) with aqueous ether yielded a nonviable, insoluble residue (Bru Pel). When injected into mice, Bru Pel was an effective, nontoxic interferon stimulus. Mice pretreated with Bru Pel were protected against challenge with otherwise lethal doses of Semliki Forest virus. Significant protection was afforded when Bru Pel was given as many as 7 days before virus challenge. Evidence is presented dealing with the complex nature of Bru Pel and with the possibility that the antiviral activity of Bru Pel may be associated not only with the production of interferon, but with a general increase in the level of nonspecific resistance in animals.