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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Plaque Assay for Murine Norovirus
Published on: August 22, 2012
Persistent infection with and serologic cross-reactivity of three novel murine noroviruses
Charlie C Hsu1, Lela K Riley, Heather M Wills
1Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA. hsuc@missouri.edu
Abstract:
According to serologic testing, murine norovirus is the most prevalent viral pathogen in contemporary laboratory mice. Previously, murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1) was the only norovirus reported to infect research mice. In this study, 3 novel murine norovirus strains--MNV-2, MNV-3, and MNV-4--were isolated from geographically separate mouse research colonies. All 4 murine norovirus strains used as individual antigens in microsphere fluorescent immunoassays displayed serologic cross-reactivity to serum from mice inoculated with MNV-1, MNV-2, MNV-3, or MNV-4. In addition, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis at 8 wk postinoculation detected virus in the feces and tissues of all mice experimentally inoculated with MNV-2, MNV-3, or MNV-4. This finding suggests that mice can have prolonged fecal shedding of and can become persistently infected with murine noroviruses.
Insights
Three new strains of murine norovirus (MNV-2, MNV-3, MNV-4) were found in lab mice. These viruses can cause persistent infections and prolonged shedding in mice.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Laboratory Animal Science
Background:
- Murine norovirus (MNV) is a common viral pathogen in laboratory mice.
- Previously, only MNV-1 was known to infect research mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel strains of murine norovirus.
- To investigate the serologic cross-reactivity and persistence of these new MNV strains.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of novel MNV strains (MNV-2, MNV-3, MNV-4) from distinct mouse colonies.
- Microsphere fluorescent immunoassays to assess serologic cross-reactivity.
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect virus in feces and tissues.
Main Results:
- Three novel MNV strains were isolated from geographically separate mouse research colonies.
- All four MNV strains (MNV-1, MNV-2, MNV-3, MNV-4) showed serologic cross-reactivity.
- RT-PCR confirmed persistent infection and fecal shedding of MNV-2, MNV-3, and MNV-4 at 8 weeks post-inoculation.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of new MNV strains expands the known diversity of this pathogen in lab mice.
- Mice can experience persistent infections and prolonged fecal shedding of MNV.
- These findings have implications for animal health, research integrity, and disease control in laboratory settings.
