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Published on: October 11, 2014
Naturally Acquired Mouse Kidney Parvovirus Infection Produces a Persistent Interstitial Nephritis in Immunocompetent
Elijah F Edmondson1, Wang-Ting Hsieh2, Josh A Kramer2
1Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, 70717Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
Abstract:
Mouse kidney parvovirus (MKPV), also known as murine chapparvovirus (MuCPV), is an emerging, highly infectious agent that has been isolated from laboratory and wild mouse populations. In immunocompromised mice, MKPV produces severe chronic interstitial nephropathy and renal failure within 4 to 5 months of infection. However, the course of disease, severity of histologic lesions, and viral shedding are uncertain for immunocompetent mice. We evaluated MKPV infections in CD-1 and Swiss Webster mice, 2 immunocompetent stocks of mice. MKPV-positive CD-1 mice (n = 30) were identified at approximately 8 weeks of age by fecal PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and were subsequently housed individually for clinical observation and diagnostic sampling. Cage swabs, fecal pellets, urine, and blood were evaluated by PCR at 100 and 128 days following the initial positive test, which identified that 28 of 30 were persistently infected and 24 of these were viremic at 100 days. Histologic lesions associated with MKPV in CD-1 (n = 31) and Swiss mice (n = 11) included lymphoplasmacytic tubulointerstitial nephritis with tubular degeneration. Inclusion bodies were rare; however, intralesional MKPV mRNA was consistently detected via in situ hybridization within tubular epithelial cells of the renal cortex and within collecting duct lumina. In immunocompetent CD-1 mice, MKPV infection resulted in persistent shedding of virus for up to 10 months and a mild tubulointerstitial nephritis, raising concerns that this virus could produce study variations in immunocompetent models. Intranuclear inclusions were not a consistent feature of MKPV infection in immunocompetent mice.
Insights
Mouse kidney parvovirus (MKPV) causes persistent infection and mild kidney disease in immunocompetent mice. This persistent viral shedding raises concerns for research variability in common mouse models.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Murine Models
Background:
- Mouse kidney parvovirus (MKPV), or murine chapparvovirus (MuCPV), is an emerging infectious agent found in mice.
- While severe in immunocompromised mice, MKPV's effects on immunocompetent mice remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical course, lesion severity, and viral shedding of MKPV in immunocompetent CD-1 and Swiss Webster mice.
Main Methods:
- MKPV infection was confirmed via fecal PCR in CD-1 mice.
- Persistent infection, viremia, and viral shedding were monitored using PCR on various samples.
- Histopathology and in situ hybridization were used to assess renal lesions and viral presence.
Main Results:
- Persistent MKPV infection was confirmed in 28/30 CD-1 mice, with 24 showing viremia at 100 days.
- Mild lymphoplasmacytic tubulointerstitial nephritis with tubular degeneration was observed in infected CD-1 and Swiss mice.
- Consistent detection of MKPV mRNA in renal tubular cells and persistent shedding for up to 10 months were noted.
Conclusions:
- MKPV infection in immunocompetent mice leads to persistent shedding and mild kidney disease.
- The findings suggest MKPV could introduce variability into research studies using immunocompetent mouse models.
