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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Isolation of Brain-infiltrating Leukocytes
Published on: June 13, 2011
Biological risk assessment related to intracerebral injection of TMEV-DA
Djabirska Iskra1, Delaval Laetitia1, Tromme Audrey1
1Laboratoires Prevor Belgique, Rue des Chasseurs Ardennais 3, Liège, 4031, Belgique.
Abstract:
Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) is a natural enteric pathogen of mice that, when injected intracranially, induces a demyelinating disease resembling multiple sclerosis. However, data on viral shedding following intracranial infection are sparse for some strains and entirely absent for others, such as the Daniels strain, making it difficult to accurately assess the biological risks associated with infected animals. In our study, we used a combination of RT-qPCR and immunoassays to evaluate viral shedding and the associated infectious risk. We show that viral RNA is detectable in the feces of some mice and that the proportion of shedding animals varies by mouse line. Nevertheless, none of the sentinel mice exposed to soiled bedding from infected animals exhibited seroconversion, indicating that the viral particles are either present at levels below the minimum infectious dose or represent residual, non-infectious material rather than active, transmission-competent virus.
Insights
Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) RNA was detected in mouse feces after intracranial infection, but transmission to sentinel mice did not occur, suggesting non-infectious viral particles.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) causes a demyelinating disease in mice similar to multiple sclerosis.
- Accurate assessment of biological risks is hindered by limited data on TMEV shedding, especially for the Daniels strain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate viral shedding and infectious risk following intracranial TMEV infection.
- To determine if TMEV can be transmitted from infected to sentinel mice via indirect contact.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to detect viral RNA in feces.
- Immunoassays to assess seroconversion in sentinel mice exposed to soiled bedding.
Main Results:
- Viral RNA was detectable in the feces of some infected mice, with shedding proportions varying by mouse line.
- No sentinel mice exposed to soiled bedding from infected animals showed signs of infection (seroconversion).
Conclusions:
- While TMEV RNA can be shed in feces, the levels may be below the infectious dose.
- The study suggests that TMEV particles shed are likely non-infectious, posing a minimal transmission risk in this experimental setup.
