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In vivo studies with an "orphan" parvovirus of mice
A L Smith1, R O Jacoby, E A Johnson
1Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
Abstract:
A virus antigenically related to, but distinct from, minute virus of mice was assessed for infectivity in neonatal and weanling random-bred mice and was equally infectious for both age groups. The virus, designated a mouse "orphan" parvovirus (OPV), was also localized in tissues of experimentally infected random-bred, inbred, and immunodeficient mice by in situ hybridization. Hybridization signal was seen in exocrine and endocrine pancreas, abdominal lymph nodes, mesentery, intestine, and sporadically in other tissues of Sencar, C3H, and DBA mice inoculated as infants. In adult BALB/c severe combined immunodeficient (scid) mice, signal was seen in lung, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and intestine but not in pancreas. Transmission of OPV by Sencar mice inoculated as infants was intermittent, whereas transmission by Sencar mice inoculated as weanlings was consistent during the first 2 weeks both by direct contact and by exposure to soiled bedding. The longest duration of transmission was 6 weeks among mice inoculated as infants. The results implicate a role for urinary, fecal, and perhaps respiratory excretion of virus, depending on host genotype and route of virus exposure. They also suggest that evaluation of pancreatic and immune function during acute infection is warranted.
Insights
A novel mouse orphan parvovirus (OPV) infects mice of all ages and spreads through contact. This virus targets various tissues, including the pancreas, and its excretion route depends on mouse genetics.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Minute virus of mice (MVM) is a well-characterized parvovirus.
- New parvoviruses continue to be discovered in various animal models.
- Understanding parvovirus tropism and transmission is crucial for animal health and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a newly identified mouse parvovirus, designated mouse orphan parvovirus (OPV).
- To determine the infectivity and tissue tropism of OPV in different mouse models.
- To investigate the transmission dynamics of OPV in experimentally infected mice.
Main Methods:
- Infectivity assays in neonatal and weanling mice.
- In situ hybridization for viral localization in various mouse strains (random-bred, inbred, immunodeficient).
- Transmission studies assessing direct contact and bedding exposure.
Main Results:
- OPV was equally infectious in neonatal and weanling mice.
- Viral hybridization signals were detected in pancreas, lymph nodes, mesentery, and intestine of infected mice, varying by strain and age.
- Transmission occurred via direct contact and soiled bedding, with duration dependent on inoculation age.
Conclusions:
- OPV exhibits broad infectivity and targets multiple organs, including the pancreas.
- Transmission routes (urinary, fecal, respiratory) are influenced by host genotype and exposure.
- Further investigation into pancreatic and immune function during OPV infection is recommended.