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Laboratory studies of a lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus outbreak in man and laboratory animals
Abstract:
Investigation of an outbreak of prolonged febrile illness in medical center personnel at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry revealed lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus to be the causative agent. Syrian or golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were found to be the only animals involved in maintaining the virus and were the source of human infections. Isolations of LCM virus were made from autopsy specimens of 13 of 46 (28%) golden hamsters. Virus isolations were made from 22 of 28 (79%) frozen specimens of 11 tumor lines transplanted repeatedly in golden hamster cheek pouches. No virus isolations were made from 86 autopsied laboratory mice, laboratory rats, Chinese hamsters (Cricetulus griseus), or laboratory rabbits or from 10 tumor cell lines transplanted in laboratory mice. Complement-fixation testing of 301 animal sera from the vivarium also revealed involvement primarily of golden hamsters. The probable source of virus introduction into the Rochester facilities was found to be two LCM-contaminated tumor lines sent from a biological supplier to Rochester in 1969.
Insights
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus caused a prolonged febrile illness outbreak. Golden hamsters were identified as the primary animal reservoir and source of human infections, linked to contaminated tumor lines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- An outbreak of prolonged febrile illness occurred among medical center personnel.
- The causative agent was initially unknown, prompting an investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of the febrile illness outbreak.
- To determine the animal reservoir and source of human infections.
Main Methods:
- Virus isolation attempts from various animal species and tumor lines.
- Complement-fixation testing of animal sera.
- Epidemiological investigation of the outbreak.
Main Results:
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus was identified as the causative agent.
- Golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were found to be the sole animal reservoir.
- LCM virus was isolated from 28% of golden hamsters and 79% of tumor lines passaged in hamsters.
- No LCM virus was detected in mice, rats, or rabbits.
Conclusions:
- Golden hamsters are a significant reservoir for LCM virus.
- Contaminated tumor lines introduced LCM virus into the research facility.
- Strict control measures are necessary to prevent LCMV transmission from hamsters.