Experimentally induced infection with autonomous parvoviruses, minute virus of mice and H-1, in the African multimammate mouse (Mastomys coucha)

To determine whether the multimammate mouse (Mastomys coucha) could be used to evaluate rodent parvovirus-based vectors, neonates were subcutaneously inoculated with minute virus of mice (prototype strain, MVMp) or rat parvov irus H-1, The course of infection with both viruses was similar, Seroconver sion occurred within two weeks after virus inoculation, as detected by use of hemagglutination-inhibition assays, and antibody titers remained high fo r the entire observation period of 12 months. Viral DNA and infective virio ns were detected in several organs of inoculated animals prior to seroconve rsion, as measured by use of Southern blotting and plaque assays, respectiv ely. Infective particles subsequently became undetectable, whereas viral DN A imprints persisted in distinct organs for at least nine months. Clinical signs of parvovirus infection appeared around six weeks after virus inocula tion, and consisted of hemorrhages, stunted growth, and transient hair colo r changes. Sudden death occurred in a significant fraction of animals infec ted with MVMp, but not H-1 virus, at the time of weaning. Altogether, MVMp, which is innocuous to its natural host, the mouse, and H-1 virus, which is poorly pathogenic to the rat, appear to be pathogenic for Mastomys coucha.