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Updated: May 9, 2026
Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Published on: July 31, 2021
Maternal antibodies or nonproductive infections confound the need for rederivation
Claude M Nagamine1, Lei Chen, Wen Qi Ho
1Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. cnagamin@stanford.edu
Abstract:
After rederivation of a mouse parvovirus (MPV)-contaminated transgenic mouse strain, serology and PCR testing of the surrogate dam showed it to be infected with mouse parvovirus strain 1 (MPV-1). The rederived pups (n = 3) also were MPV-positive, according to serology. Despite MPV seropositivity, fecal PCR tests of the pups were negative, as were serologic results from direct-contact sentinels. Only one rederived pup survived, and this male was bred successfully. None of its mates or progeny seroconverted to MPV. At 14.5 mo of age, the rederived male mouse was euthanized; tissues were collected and submitted for MPV testing; both serologic tests and PCR analysis of mesenteric lymph nodes were MPV-negative. One explanation for the rederived pups' MPV seropostivity is passive transfer of maternal antibodies or a nonproductive MPV infection. This case illustrates that although routine serological testing of surrogate mothers and pups is appropriate, any positive results should be further investigated by using transmissibility testing (fecal PCR or contact sentinels or both) prior to repeat rederivation.
Insights
Mouse parvovirus (MPV) seropositivity in rederived pups may not indicate infection. Further transmissibility testing is crucial before repeating rederivation procedures to ensure MPV eradication.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Mouse parvovirus (MPV) is a significant pathogen in research mouse colonies, necessitating effective rederivation strategies.
- MPV contamination was identified in a transgenic mouse strain, prompting rederivation using a surrogate dam.
- Standard protocols for rederivation include serological and PCR testing of surrogate dams and rederived offspring.
Observation:
- A surrogate dam and three rederived pups tested positive for MPV-1 via serology.
- Despite seropositivity, fecal PCR and sentinel contact tests for the pups were negative.
- One surviving rederived male mouse successfully bred, with no evidence of MPV transmission to its progeny or mates.
Findings:
- The rederived male mouse remained serologically and PCR-negative for MPV at 14.5 months of age.
- Post-mortem examination of the rederived male's tissues also yielded negative MPV results.
- The initial seropositivity in rederived pups is hypothesized to be due to passive maternal antibody transfer or a non-productive infection.
Implications:
- Routine serological screening of surrogate mothers and pups is valuable but requires confirmation.
- Positive serological results for MPV in rederived animals necessitate further investigation using transmissibility assays (fecal PCR, sentinel testing).
- Accurate diagnosis is critical to prevent the reintroduction of MPV into cleared mouse colonies and ensure research integrity.
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