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A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Published on: June 23, 2022
Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus in nonbarrier rat colonies
Daniele Masselli Rodrigues1, Sandra Soares Martins, Rovilson Gilioli
1Multidisciplinary Center for Biological Investigation, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Comparative Medicine
|November 8, 2005
Summary
Rats may be naturally infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), a Cardiovirus. This study detected TMEV antibodies and RNA in rats, suggesting natural infection and the need for health monitoring in research colonies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) is a mouse enteric pathogen causing central nervous system disease.
- Antibodies to TMEV strain GDVII have been found in rats, but natural Cardiovirus infection in rats is undescribed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and demonstrate natural TMEV infection in rat colonies.
- To confirm TMEV infectivity in rats through serologic, molecular, and clinical analyses.
Main Methods:
- Serologic assays (indirect immunofluorescence) to detect TMEV-GDVII antibodies in rat sera.
- Experimental inoculation of specific pathogen-free mice and rats with TMEV-GDVII.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect Cardiovirus RNA in brain tissue.
Main Results:
- 86.3% of rat serum samples showed antibodies against TMEV-GDVII, with 77.2% having neutralizing antibodies.
- Experimentally infected rats and mice exhibited clinical signs of TMEV infection, including paralysis and tremor.
- RT-PCR confirmed the presence of Cardiovirus RNA in the brain tissue of infected animals.
Conclusions:
- Results strongly suggest that rats can be naturally infected with TMEV and related Cardiovirus.
- Ongoing health monitoring for TMEV is recommended for rat colonies due to their use in research.
