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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
Reverse Genetics Mediated Recovery of Infectious Murine Norovirus
Published on: June 24, 2012
Genetic diversity and recombination of murine noroviruses in immunocompromised mice
B Müller1, U Klemm, A Mas Marques
1Robert Koch Institute, Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Pathogens, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Murine noroviruses (MNV) are newly identified pathogens which infect laboratory mice. In this study, we found a high prevalence (64.3%) of MNV in various breeding colonies of immunocompromised, transgenic and wild-type mouse lines. All mice survived infection with no signs of clinical disease. Faeces samples were collected from animals housed in two separate laboratory mouse colonies in Berlin, Germany, and screened using quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. We have determined the complete nucleotide sequences of 3 novel MNV strains. Furthermore, we sequenced two subgenomic regions within open reading frames (ORFs) 1 and 2 that are suitable for genotyping. Sequence analysis of the full-length and partial genomes obtained from naturally infected mice yielded valuable data on genetic diversity of murine noroviruses. The discordance of genotype affiliation of some MNVs shown in ORF1 and ORF2 suggests intertypic recombination events in vivo.
Insights
Murine noroviruses (MNV) are common in lab mice, with a 64.3% prevalence found in this study. Researchers identified novel MNV strains and analyzed genetic diversity, suggesting in vivo recombination events.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Murine noroviruses (MNV) are emerging viral pathogens affecting laboratory mice.
- MNV infections are widespread in mouse breeding colonies, impacting research.
- Understanding MNV genetic diversity is crucial for controlling its spread and impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of MNV in different mouse lines.
- To determine the genetic sequences of novel MNV strains.
- To analyze the genetic diversity and potential recombination of MNV.
Main Methods:
- Screening of fecal samples from mice using quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR.
- Sequencing of complete and partial MNV genomes.
- Sequence analysis of open reading frames (ORFs) 1 and 2 for genotyping.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of MNV (64.3%) was detected across various mouse lines.
- Three novel MNV strains were identified and their complete nucleotide sequences determined.
- Sequence analysis revealed significant genetic diversity among MNV strains, with evidence of intertypic recombination.
Conclusions:
- MNV is highly prevalent in laboratory mouse colonies, even in immunocompromised and transgenic models.
- Novel MNV strains possess distinct genetic characteristics, contributing to viral diversity.
- Evidence suggests in vivo recombination events play a role in MNV evolution and genetic variation.
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