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Updated: May 10, 2026
Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Identification of an astrovirus commonly infecting laboratory mice in the US and Japan
Terry Fei Fan Ng1, Nikola O Kondov, Nobuhito Hayashimoto
1Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, California, United States of America.
Abstract:
Mice (Mus musculus) are the most commonly used laboratory animals. Viral metagenomics on tissues of immunodeficient mice revealed sequences of a novel mammalian astrovirus. Using PCR, we screened mice from 4 breeders, 4 pharmaceutical companies, 14 research institutes and 30 universities in the US and Japan. Mice from one US breeder tested positive while none from Japanese breeders were positive for MuAstV. Mice in over half of the universities (19/30), institutes (7/14) and pharmaceutical animal facilities (2/4) investigated revealed the presence of MuAstV. Nine mice strains tested positive including both immunodeficient strains (NSG, NOD-SCID, NSG-3GS, C57BL6-Timp-3 (-/-), and uPA-NOG) and immunocompetent strains (B6J, ICR, Bash2, BALB/c). Our data indicates that MuAstV has a wide geographical, institutional and host strain distribution. Comparison of the MuAstV RdRp sequences showed numerous mutations indicating ongoing viral divergence in different facilities. This study demonstrates the need for metagenomic screening of laboratory animals to identify adventitious infections that may affect experimental outcomes.
Insights
A novel mouse astrovirus (MuAstV) is widespread in laboratory mice across the US, affecting both immunocompetent and immunodeficient strains. This discovery highlights the need for viral screening in research animals to ensure experimental accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mice (Mus musculus) are critical models in biomedical research.
- Adventitious viral infections in laboratory animals can compromise research integrity.
- Viral metagenomics enables the discovery of novel pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel mammalian astrovirus in laboratory mice.
- To determine the prevalence and distribution of this astrovirus in different mouse populations and facilities.
- To assess the impact of the virus on various mouse strains.
Main Methods:
- Viral metagenomic analysis of mouse tissues to discover novel viruses.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for targeted detection of the astrovirus.
- Screening of mice from breeders, pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, and universities in the US and Japan.
- Sequence analysis of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene.
Main Results:
- Sequences of a novel mammalian astrovirus, Mouse Astrovirus (MuAstV), were identified in immunodeficient mice.
- MuAstV was detected in mice from one US breeder, but not in Japanese breeders.
- The virus was prevalent in over half of the investigated universities (19/30), institutes (7/14), and pharmaceutical facilities (2/4).
- Nine different mouse strains, including both immunodeficient and immunocompetent types, tested positive for MuAstV.
- Sequence comparisons revealed significant viral divergence, suggesting ongoing evolution in different facilities.
Conclusions:
- MuAstV exhibits a broad geographical, institutional, and host strain distribution within laboratory mouse populations.
- The presence of MuAstV in diverse mouse strains and facilities underscores the need for routine metagenomic screening.
- Identifying and controlling adventitious infections like MuAstV is crucial for maintaining the validity and reproducibility of research outcomes.
