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Isolation of mouse hepatitis virus from infant mice with fatal diarrhea
Abstract:
An epizootic of fatal diarrhea occurred in mice which were approximately 10 days of age. The enteric lesions were similar to those reported in lethal intestinal virus of infant mice, but many diseased mice also had necrotic hepatitis. Mouse hepatitis virus antigen was demonstrated in the affected intestine and liver, and a virus that produced syncitium formation in mouse brain tumor cell culture was isolated from the intestines, livers, and brains. The virus was capable of producing intestinal and hepatic lesions similar to the naturally occurring disease after inoculation into suckling mice. Electron microscopy revealed viral particles within affected intestinal epithelial cells of the inoculated mice.
Insights
A novel mouse hepatitis virus caused fatal diarrhea and liver damage in young mice. The isolated virus replicated in intestinal cells, confirming its role in the epizootic disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Virology
- Animal Models
Background:
- A fatal epizootic of diarrhea affected infant mice.
- Enteric lesions resembled those of lethal intestinal virus of infant mice.
- Necrotic hepatitis was observed in many affected mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of the fatal epizootic in infant mice.
- To characterize the isolated virus and its pathogenic potential.
- To investigate the viral etiology of enteric and hepatic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Demonstration of mouse hepatitis virus antigen in affected tissues.
- Isolation of a syncytium-inducing virus from diseased mice.
- Inoculation of suckling mice with the isolated virus.
- Electron microscopy of affected intestinal tissues.
Main Results:
- Mouse hepatitis virus antigen was detected in the intestine and liver.
- A syncytium-forming virus was isolated from multiple organs.
- Inoculated mice developed similar intestinal and hepatic lesions.
- Viral particles were observed within intestinal epithelial cells via electron microscopy.
Conclusions:
- A novel strain of mouse hepatitis virus was identified as the cause of the epizootic.
- The virus induces fatal enteric and hepatic disease in infant mice.
- This study highlights the pathogenic potential of MHV in young mice.
