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Transmission of enterotropic mouse hepatitis virus from immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice
Susan R Compton1, Lisa J Ball-Goodrich, Frank X Paturzo
1Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 375 Congress Avenue LSOG Rm117, Comparative Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06519-1404, USA.
Abstract:
Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) is the most prevalent virus that infects mice, and most MHV strains are enterotropic. Experiments were performed to elucidate the duration of enterotropic MHV-Y shedding by immunocompetent BALB/ c and C57BL/6 mice and immunocompromised B and T cell-deficient mice. Although the use of molecular diagnostics to detect MHV infection is increasing, it is unclear whether the viral RNA detected is always infectious. The ability to detect MHV-Y transmission to sentinel mice exposed directly to infected mice or to soil bedding from infected mice was compared with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction-based detection of viral RNA in the feces. The BALB/c mice developed subclinical intestinal infection, and transmitted MHV-Y for four weeks. The C57BL/6 mice also developed subclinical intestinal infection, but only transmitted virus for two weeks. The T cell-deficient mice developed severe disseminated disease by two weeks and transmitted virus for four weeks. The B cell-deficient mice developed subclinical intestinal infection and transmitted virus for longer than three months, although virus RNA was not detected in feces late in the infection. Viral RNA detected in the feces of infected mice was almost always infectious. Non-infectious RNA was detected in a few mice for several days after transmission had ceased. In addition, constant exposure of naive mice to infected mice, via the use of serial sentinels, prolonged viral transmission.
Insights
Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) shedding duration varies by mouse strain and immune status. Viral RNA in feces is typically infectious, indicating transmission potential.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) is a common pathogen in mice, often affecting the intestines.
- Understanding MHV shedding is crucial for disease control in research settings.
- The infectivity of detected viral RNA requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the duration of enterotropic MHV-Y shedding in different mouse models.
- To compare viral RNA detection with actual virus transmission.
- To assess the role of immune status in MHV shedding and transmission.
Main Methods:
- Experiments involved immunocompetent BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, and immunocompromised B and T cell-deficient mice.
- Viral shedding and transmission were monitored using sentinel mice exposed to infected animals or bedding.
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect viral RNA in feces.
Main Results:
- BALB/c mice transmitted MHV-Y for four weeks; C57BL/6 mice transmitted for two weeks.
- T cell-deficient mice transmitted for four weeks, while B cell-deficient mice transmitted for over three months.
- Detected viral RNA in feces was almost always infectious, with non-infectious RNA appearing transiently after transmission ceased.
Conclusions:
- Shedding duration and transmission efficiency of MHV-Y are influenced by host genetics and immune competence.
- RT-PCR detection of MHV RNA in feces generally correlates with infectious virus presence.
- Continuous exposure to infected animals can prolong viral transmission periods.
