Acute hepatitis associated with mouse leukemia. II. Etiology and host range of the causal agent in mice

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Hepatitis Research
• Animal Models

Background:

• Acute hepatitis outbreaks were observed in weanling mice.
• The specific etiological agent was not previously identified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the causative agent of acute hepatitis in Princeton strain mice.
• To characterize the susceptibility of different mouse strains and ages.

Main Methods:

• Virus isolation from infected organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, blood, urine, intestinal contents).
• Filtration studies using Berkefeld V filters.
• Ultracentrifugation to isolate the viral agent.
• Serial dilution assays to determine viral titer.
• In vivo studies to assess antibiotic efficacy.

Main Results:

• A virus was identified as the etiological agent of acute hepatitis.
• The virus was present in liver, spleen, kidneys, heart's blood, urine, and intestinal contents.
• Princeton weanling mice were most susceptible; older mice and other strains showed less susceptibility.
• The virus passed through Berkefeld V filters and was found in 10,000 G supernatants.
• Viral activity was detectable up to a 10(-7) dilution in liver suspensions.
• Aureomycin and terramycin did not inhibit viral activity.

Conclusions:

• A specific viral agent causes acute hepatitis in susceptible young mice.
• The virus exhibits tropism for multiple organs and is shed in various bodily fluids.
• Current antibiotic treatments are ineffective against this hepatitis virus.