Spontaneous wasting disease in nude mice associated with Pneumocystis carinii infection

Several cases of wasting disease and dyspnea occurred in outbred Crl: CDI(ICR) nu/nu mice obtained recently from a commercial supplier. Gross necropsy revealed pulmonary consolidation, and histologically there was alveolar-wall thickening and filling of alveoli with macrophages and honey-combed eosinophilic material. Electron microscopic examination of lung tissue confirmed infection with Pneumocystis carinii.