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Epidemiological and phylogenetic analysis of institutional mouse parvoviruses
Joongho Joh1, Mary L Proctor, Janice L Ditslear
1James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.
Abstract:
Mouse parvoviruses (MPVs) are small, single-stranded, 5 kb DNA viruses that are subclinical and endemic in many laboratory mouse colonies. MPVs cause more distinctive deleterious effects in immune-compromised or genetically-engineered mice than immuno-competent mice. At the University of Louisville (U of L), there was an unexpected increase of MPV sero-positivity for MPV infections in mouse colonies between January 2006 and February 2007, resulting in strategic husbandry changes aimed at controlling MPV spread throughout the animal facility. To investigate these MPVs, VP2 genes of seven MPVs were cloned and sequenced from eight documented incidences by PCR technology. The mutations in these VP2 genes were compared to those found at the Genbank database (NCBI; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and an intra-institutional phylogenetic tree for MPV infections at U of L was constructed. We discovered that the seven MPV isolates were different from those in Genbank and were not identical to each other. These MPVs were designated MPV-UL1 to 7; none of them were minute virus of mice (MVMs). Four isolates could be classified as MPV1, one was classified as MPV2, and two were defined as novel types with less than 96% and 94% homology with existing MPV types. Considering that all seven isolates had mutations in their VP2 genes and no mutations were observed in VP2 genes of MPV during a four-month time period of incubation, we concluded that all seven MPVs isolated at U of L between 2006 and 2007 probably originated from different sources. Serological survey for MPV infections verified that each MPV outbreak was controlled without further contamination within the institution.
Insights
Mouse parvoviruses (MPVs) are common in lab mice, causing issues in immunocompromised animals. Researchers identified seven distinct MPV strains at the University of Louisville, likely from separate introductions, and controlled their spread.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mouse parvoviruses (MPVs) are endemic, subclinical DNA viruses in laboratory mice.
- MPVs can cause significant detrimental effects, particularly in immune-compromised or genetically engineered mouse models.
- An unexpected rise in MPV sero-positivity at the University of Louisville (U of L) necessitated changes in animal husbandry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic characteristics of MPV isolates during an outbreak at U of L.
- To determine the origin and diversity of MPV strains circulating within the U of L animal facility.
- To assess the effectiveness of control measures implemented to manage MPV spread.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify and sequence the VP2 genes of seven MPV isolates.
- Sequenced MPV VP2 genes were compared to the GenBank database (NCBI).
- An intra-institutional phylogenetic tree was constructed to analyze MPV relationships.
Main Results:
- Seven distinct MPV isolates (MPV-UL1 to 7) were identified, differing from GenBank sequences and each other.
- None of the isolates were identified as minute virus of mice (MVM).
- Four isolates aligned with MPV1, one with MPV2, and two represented novel types with <96% and <94% homology to known MPVs, suggesting diverse origins.
Conclusions:
- The seven MPV isolates from U of L likely originated from different sources due to mutations in their VP2 genes.
- The implemented serological surveys and husbandry changes successfully controlled MPV outbreaks without further institutional spread.
- Understanding MPV diversity is crucial for managing infections in research animal facilities.
