[Infection in rats by the intraperitoneal route with Junín virus]

The susceptibility of the rat, infected at various ages by intraperitoneal route with the XJ prototype strain of Junin virus was studied two day-old animals showed maximum mortality, being the most suitable dose 10(3) LD50. Antiviral humoral response at 35 days pi was tested in survivors of all ages. Highest neutralizing antibody titers were found in those infected up to 4 days of age. This host behaves quite differently when infected by intracerebral route with the same XJ strain.