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The hamster as a secondary reservoir host of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

H H Skinner, E H Knight, L S Buckley

    The Journal of Hygiene
    |April 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    LCM virus infections in hamsters can be subclinical but lead to long-term shedding, posing a risk for human health. These infected hamsters can transmit the virus to their young, creating persistent reservoirs.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Animal Health

    Background:

    • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can establish persistent infections in rodents.
    • Rodents are common reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, posing risks to human health.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the transmission dynamics and shedding patterns of LCM virus in experimentally infected weaned hamsters.
    • To assess the potential for LCMV to cause persistent infections and subsequent human exposure through pet hamsters.

    Main Methods:

    • Weaned hamsters were exposed to LCM virus in a contaminated environment.
    • Infected hamsters were monitored for clinical signs, viremia, and viral shedding (urine, tissues).
    • Transmission to offspring and potential for prolonged shedding were evaluated.

    Main Results:

    • Short, subclinical LCMV infections occurred in exposed hamsters.
    • Prenatally infected offspring appeared normal but were highly infective for months.
    • Persistent viruria (at least 8 months) in infected hamsters served as a potent source for contact transmission and further infections.
    • Viremia was not long-lasting enough for successive vertical transmission.

    Conclusions:

    • Long-term LCMV shedding, particularly via urine from persistently infected hamsters, can create reservoirs.
    • These hamster colonies, acting as reservoirs in the absence of natural hosts, likely contributed to recent human LCMV infections.
    • Control of LCMV in hamster populations is crucial to prevent zoonotic transmission.

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