Characterization of a STAT-1 Knockout Mouse Model for Machupo Virus Infection and Pathogenesis.

Machupo virus (MACV), a member of the family and causative agent of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, results in lethality rates of 25-35% in humans. Mice lacking the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1) have previously been shown to succumb to MACV infection within 7-8 days via the intraperitoneal route. Despite these reports, we observed partial lethality in STAT-1 mice following challenge with wild-type MACV.