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A Protocol for Housing Mice in an Enriched Environment
Published on: June 8, 2015
Mouse Papillomavirus Outbreak in a Research Facility
Kristin E Killoran1, Matthew W Breed1, Melody E Roelke-Parker1
11Laboratory Animal Medicine, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland.
Abstract:
The use of mouse papillomavirus (MmuPV1) to study infections, disease outcomes, and vaccine strategies in mice has greatly enhanced our understanding of human papillomavirus. However, as with other species-specific infectious agents used as models for human disease, such studies may pose a risk to facilities that house large numbers of the model agent's natural host, especially when the full natural history of the infection is uncertain. In this study, we describe our recent experience showing that containment of MmuPV1 can be difficult, and that its use in research facilities may cause unexpected, long-lasting environmental contamination. Following the identification of symptomatic index cases of MmuPV1 in nude mice, we identified widespread contamination of an ∼10,000 cage facility, including MmuPV1 infection in mice of varying strains and immunocompetencies. Concerningly, many years separated the experimental use of MmuPV1 in the facility and our subsequent identification of index cases. We report our methods to identify, survey, and eliminate MmuPV1 from the facility, and the evolution of decontamination procedures that proved successful.
Insights
Mouse papillomavirus (MmuPV1) research poses containment challenges, leading to long-lasting facility contamination. This study details methods for MmuPV1 detection, eradication, and decontamination in research settings.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Infectious Disease Modeling
- Laboratory Animal Science
Background:
- Mouse papillomavirus (MmuPV1) is a valuable model for studying human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and vaccine strategies.
- Species-specific viral models can pose risks to research facilities, particularly when natural infection history is not fully understood.
- Containment of MmuPV1 in research settings presents significant challenges, potentially leading to environmental contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the unexpected, long-lasting environmental contamination caused by MmuPV1 in a large research facility.
- To detail the methods used to identify, survey, and eliminate MmuPV1 from an infected facility.
- To describe the development and success of decontamination procedures for MmuPV1.
Main Methods:
- Identification of symptomatic index cases of MmuPV1 in nude mice.
- Widespread environmental and animal surveying within an approximately 10,000 cage facility.
- Development and implementation of targeted eradication and decontamination protocols.
Main Results:
- Widespread MmuPV1 contamination was identified throughout the facility, affecting various mouse strains and immunocompetencies.
- MmuPV1 infections were detected many years after its experimental use, indicating persistence.
- Successful elimination of MmuPV1 was achieved through evolved decontamination procedures.
Conclusions:
- MmuPV1 containment is challenging and can result in persistent, widespread environmental contamination in research facilities.
- Effective methods for MmuPV1 identification, surveillance, and eradication are crucial for maintaining research integrity and safety.
- The study provides a successful model for managing and decontaminating facilities affected by MmuPV1.
