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An apparently new lethal virus disease of infant mice

L M KRAFT

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |July 27, 1962
    PubMed

    Insights

    A novel gastrointestinal disease affects infant mice, causing characteristic "balloon cell" changes in the intestine and leading to death. Adult mice show inapparent infections, and the causative agent is sensitive to heat and ether.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Pathology
    • Animal Models

    Background:

    • A novel disease affecting infant mice has been identified.
    • The disease primarily impacts the gastrointestinal tract.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To describe a hitherto unreported disease in infant mice.
    • To characterize the agent responsible for the disease and its effects.

    Main Methods:

    • Passage of the agent in mice.
    • Filtration studies to determine agent size.
    • Sensitivity testing (heat, ether, sodium deoxycholate).
    • Morphological examination of intestinal tissues.

    Main Results:

    • The agent reproduces upon passage and is filterable.
    • Infection is lethal in infant mice but inapparent in adults.
    • Characteristic multinucleated giant cells ("balloon cells") develop in the intestinal epithelium of infected infants.
    • The agent is sensitive to mild heat, ether, and sodium deoxycholate.

    Conclusions:

    • A new infectious disease agent affecting the murine gastrointestinal tract has been identified.
    • The agent exhibits unique cytopathic effects, forming "balloon cells" in infant mice.
    • Differential susceptibility between infant and adult mice suggests age-dependent disease mechanisms.
    Keywords:
    MICE/diseasesVIRUS DISEASES/veterinary

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