Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Humanized Mouse Model to Study Bacterial Infections Targeting the Microvasculature
11:40

Humanized Mouse Model to Study Bacterial Infections Targeting the Microvasculature

Published on: April 1, 2014

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in man. Serologic evidence of association with pet hamsters;

R Deibel, J P Woodall, W J Decher

    JAMA
    |May 5, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Pet hamsters are a significant source of lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus infection in humans, often causing central nervous system (CNS) disease. Early laboratory confirmation and physician awareness of rodent contact are crucial for prevention.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus can cause serious illness in humans.
    • The role of pet rodents, particularly hamsters, as a transmission source requires further investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the association between pet hamster contact and human LCM virus infections.
    • To identify the source of LCM virus in a cohort of infected patients.

    Main Methods:

    • Laboratory confirmation of recent or current LCM virus infection in 60 patients.
    • Clinical diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) disease or grippe-like syndrome.
    • Epidemiological investigation of patient contact with pet hamsters, including serologic testing of animals.

    Main Results:

    • Sixty patients showed laboratory evidence of LCM virus infection.
    • Twelve patients had CNS infections (4 meningoencephalitis, 8 meningitis); 34 had grippe-like illness.
    • Fifty-nine patients reported contact with pet hamsters; 24 studied hamsters showed serologic evidence of past LCM virus infection.

    Conclusions:

    • Pet hamsters are strongly implicated as a source of LCM virus transmission to humans.
    • Effective control of LCM virus in pet hamsters is challenging.
    • Physician awareness of rodent contact in patients with CNS disease and prompt laboratory diagnosis are essential for preventing human LCM infections.

    More Related Videos

    Infecting Mice with Malassezia spp. to Study the Fungus-Host Interaction06:19

    Infecting Mice with Malassezia spp. to Study the Fungus-Host Interaction

    Published on: November 6, 2019

    Mouse Footpad Inoculation Model to Study Viral-Induced Neuroinflammatory Responses09:07

    Mouse Footpad Inoculation Model to Study Viral-Induced Neuroinflammatory Responses

    Published on: June 14, 2020

    Related Concept Videos

    Rabies01:28

    Rabies

    Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...
    Toxoplasmosis01:28

    Toxoplasmosis

    Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant public health challenges globally due to its high seroprevalence and varied clinical manifestations. As an obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii can infect all warm-blooded vertebrates, but felids are its only definitive hosts, shedding unsporulated oocysts into the environment. Humans typically acquire the infection through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat or oocysts from...