Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025
Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Basic reproduction numbers of three strains of mouse hepatitis viruses in mice
Masataka Nakayama1, Shigeru Kyuwa1
1Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) is a murine coronavirus and one of the most important pathogens in laboratory mice. Although various strains of MHV have been isolated, they are generally excreted in the feces and transmitted oronasally via aerosols and contaminated bedding. In this study, we attempted to determine the basic reproduction numbers (R0 ) of three strains of MHV to improve our understanding of MHV infections in mice. Five-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were inoculated intranasally with either the Y, NuU, or JHM variant strain of MHV and housed with two naïve mice. After 4 weeks, the presence or absence of anti-MHV antibody in the mice was determined by ELISA. We also examined the distribution of MHV in the organs of Y, NuU, or JHM variant-infected mice. Our data suggest that the transmissibility of MHV is correlated with viral growth in the gastrointestinal tract of infected mice. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to address the basic reproduction numbers among pathogens in laboratory animals.
Insights
This study determined the basic reproduction numbers (R0) for three Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV) strains in laboratory mice. MHV transmissibility correlates with gastrointestinal viral load, offering new insights into murine coronavirus infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Laboratory Animal Science
Background:
- Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) is a significant pathogen affecting laboratory mice.
- Understanding MHV transmission dynamics is crucial for maintaining research integrity.
- Previous studies have not quantified the basic reproduction numbers (R0) for MHV strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the basic reproduction numbers (R0) for three distinct MHV strains (Y, NuU, JHM).
- To investigate the correlation between MHV transmissibility and viral distribution in infected mice.
- To enhance the understanding of MHV infection dynamics in a controlled laboratory setting.
Main Methods:
- Female C57BL/6J mice were intranasally inoculated with MHV strains Y, NuU, or JHM.
- Inoculated mice were co-housed with two naïve mice to assess transmission.
- Anti-MHV antibodies were detected using ELISA, and viral distribution was examined in organs.
Main Results:
- The study successfully estimated R0 values for the three MHV strains.
- MHV transmissibility was found to be correlated with viral replication in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Specific patterns of viral distribution across organs were observed for each strain.
Conclusions:
- This research provides the first report on basic reproduction numbers for pathogens in laboratory animals.
- Gastrointestinal viral shedding is a key factor in MHV transmission.
- Findings contribute to improved strategies for controlling MHV in research facilities.
