Variable susceptibility of mice to group B coxsackievirus infections

Laboratory strains of group B coxsackievirus serotypes 1 to 6 were inoculated intraperitoneally into newborn mice of differing genetic backgrouns. Of the four genetic strains investigated, C3H mice appeared to be resistant to all six serotypes, whereas BALB/c mice were most susceptible. Swiss mice and a random-bred Swiss strain (COH) were intermediate in susceptibility. The findings underscore the fact that clinical isolation attempts and experimental studies involving group B coxsackieviruses must take into account both the virus strain used and the genetic background of the host. For clinical isolation of these viruses, the BALB/c mouse may be the most suitable of th strains tested.