Strain- and age-associated variation in viral persistence and antibody response to mouse parvovirus 1 in experimentally infected mice
Emilija Filipovska-Naumovska1, Martin J Thompson, Deborah Hopwood
1School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Australia.
Abstract:
The effect of mouse strain and age at infection on viral replication and concurrent antibody response to mouse parvovirus 1 (isolate MPV1f) was evaluated for 305 d after inoculation in 4 strains of mice. The results confirmed previous reports that mouse strain and age at infection are significant factors in viral persistence and antibody development and detection. Randombred Arc:Arc(s) mice originally bred from CD1 stock inoculated as juveniles (4 wk) or adults (8 wk) developed persistent viral infection for 152 d after inoculation and an antibody response that persisted for 295 d. Mice of C57BL/6J background inoculated as juveniles had detectable viral DNA in large intestinal content and tissues for 24 d after inoculation and an antibody response that persisted for 288 d. However, viral DNA was not detected in tissues of C57BL/6J mice inoculated as adults, although an antibody was detected for 111 d after inoculation; these results suggest probable viral replication in adult C57BL/6J mice but at levels below the limits of detection. BALB/cArc mice inoculated as juveniles or adults had detectable virus DNA in tissues for 108 to 242 d after inoculation, but no antibody was detected. Similarly, BALB/c-Foxn1(nu)/Arc mice had detectable levels of viral DNA in tissues for 98 to 131 d but no measurable antibody. The difficulty of detecting antibody in mice with a BALB/c background indicates they are unsuitable for routine surveillance of MPV1f infection.
Insights
Mouse strain and age impact mouse parvovirus 1 (MPV1f) infection persistence and antibody detection. BALB/c mice are unsuitable for routine MPV1f surveillance due to poor antibody response.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Immunology
- Mouse Models
Background:
- Mouse parvovirus 1 (MPV1f) is a common pathogen in laboratory mice.
- Understanding factors influencing MPV1f infection and host response is crucial for research integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of mouse strain and age at infection on MPV1f replication and antibody response.
- To identify suitable mouse models for MPV1f infection studies and surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Four mouse strains (Arc:Arc(s), C57BL/6J, BALB/cArc, BALB/c-Foxn1(nu)/Arc) were inoculated with MPV1f at juvenile (4 wk) or adult (8 wk) stages.
- Viral DNA detection in tissues and antibody responses were monitored for up to 305 days post-inoculation.
Main Results:
- Arc:Arc(s) mice showed persistent viral infection (152 d) and antibody response (295 d).
- C57BL/6J mice exhibited shorter viral DNA detection (24 d) but sustained antibody response (288 d as juveniles).
- BALB/c background mice (BALB/cArc, BALB/c-Foxn1(nu)/Arc) had prolonged viral DNA detection (98-242 d) but failed to produce detectable antibodies, indicating unsuitability for serological surveillance.
Conclusions:
- Mouse strain and age significantly influence MPV1f persistence and antibody detection.
- BALB/c background mice are inappropriate for routine MPV1f infection surveillance due to absent antibody response.
- Arc:Arc(s) and C57BL/6J mice offer potential models for studying MPV1f infection dynamics.
