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Prevalence of "orphan" parvovirus infections in mice and rats
1Laboratory Animal Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Abstract:
"Orphan" parvovirus (OPV) infection in laboratory mice and rats was serologically surveyed for 465 mouse sera and 271 rat sera collected from 1986 to 1987 and from 1993 to 1996 in Japan. The results suggest that parvovirus infection is rare in mice but common in rats (positive rate: 13-22%) and that most putative viruses were OPVs. OPV is therefore considered to already have been harbored for at least ten years in Japan.
Insights
Orphan parvovirus (OPV) is rare in mice but common in rats in Japan, with infections detected over a ten-year period. This study surveyed mouse and rat sera to understand OPV prevalence in laboratory animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Infectious Diseases in Laboratory Animals
Background:
- "Orphan" parvovirus (OPV) is a pathogen affecting laboratory rodents.
- Understanding the prevalence of OPV in mice and rats is crucial for maintaining healthy animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To serologically survey the prevalence of "Orphan" parvovirus (OPV) in laboratory mice and rats in Japan.
- To determine the historical presence of OPV in these animal populations.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing of 465 mouse sera and 271 rat sera.
- Samples were collected between 1986-1987 and 1993-1996.
- Analysis focused on identifying antibodies indicative of OPV infection.
Main Results:
- Parvovirus infection was found to be rare in mice.
- A significant prevalence of parvovirus infection (13-22%) was observed in rats.
- Most detected parvoviruses were identified as OPVs.
Conclusions:
- "Orphan" parvovirus (OPV) has been endemic in laboratory rat populations in Japan for at least ten years.
- The findings highlight the importance of monitoring OPV in rodent colonies to ensure research integrity.