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Elimination of mouse hepatitis virus from a breeding colony by temporary cessation of breeding
E C Weir1, P N Bhatt, S W Barthold
1Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
Abstract:
During quarantine in a Trexler-type isolator, high mortality was noted among offspring in a breeding colony of C.B.-17 scid/+ mice. Histology and immunohistochemistry on tissues of surviving weanlings confirmed mouse hepatitis virus infection (MHV). Since MHV infection is reported to be acute and self limiting, elimination of infection was attempted by cessation of breeding for a 15-week period. F1 mice born thereafter were seropositive for MHV at 3 to 4 weeks old and seronegative 4 weeks later, attributed to decay of maternally-derived antibodies. F2 mice were seronegative for MHV at 3 to 9 weeks old. No deaths occurred in any litters. These results suggest that MHV can be eliminated from a colony by temporary cessation of breeding, as evidenced by seronegative progeny through the F2 generation.
Insights
Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) infection caused high mortality in a C.B.-17 scid/+ mouse colony. Stopping breeding for 15 weeks eliminated MHV in subsequent generations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Virology
- Laboratory Animal Science
Background:
- High mortality in offspring of C.B.-17 scid/+ mice in a Trexler-type isolator was observed.
- Histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) infection in affected weanlings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the elimination of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) from a C.B.-17 scid/+ mouse breeding colony.
- To assess the efficacy of a temporary breeding cessation strategy for MHV eradication.
Main Methods:
- A 15-week cessation of breeding was implemented in the affected mouse colony.
- Serological testing for MHV was performed on F1 and F2 generations at various ages.
- Mortality rates and overall colony health were monitored.
Main Results:
- F1 generation mice were initially seropositive for MHV, becoming seronegative later due to antibody decay.
- F2 generation mice remained seronegative for MHV from 3 to 9 weeks of age.
- No deaths were recorded in litters born after the breeding cessation period.
Conclusions:
- Temporary cessation of breeding is an effective strategy for eliminating mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) from laboratory mouse colonies.
- Serological monitoring of subsequent generations confirmed successful MHV eradication.
- This method provides a viable approach for maintaining MHV-free mouse colonies.