Murine respirovirus

Murine respirovirus, formerly known as Sendai virus, is a paramyxovirus that causes respiratory tract infections in rodents, particularly mice. Despite its specificity to rodents, the virus has been extensively studied as a model for understanding viral infections in mammals, including humans, due to its similarities with human respiratory pathogens such as the Human Parainfluenza Viruses. Murine respirovirus is highly contagious among mouse populations and is of significant concern in laboratory settings where it can affect experimental outcomes.

Etiology

Murine respirovirus is an enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus. It belongs to the genus Respirovirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. The virus has a genome that encodes for six main proteins, including the fusion (F) protein and the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein, which are critical for the virus's ability to infect host cells and spread.

Transmission

Transmission of Murine respirovirus occurs primarily through direct contact with infected animals or their secretions. Aerosol transmission is also a significant pathway, especially in densely populated environments such as laboratory animal facilities. The virus can spread rapidly through a mouse colony, causing widespread infections.

Pathogenesis

After infection, Murine respirovirus targets the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms ranging from mild respiratory distress to severe pneumonia. The virus's F and HN proteins facilitate entry into host cells and subsequent viral replication. The immune response to the infection can contribute to the severity of the disease, with both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms playing roles in controlling or exacerbating the infection.

Clinical Signs

In mice, the clinical signs of Murine respirovirus infection can include sneezing, nasal discharge, breathing difficulties, and weight loss. Severely affected animals may develop pneumonia, which can be fatal, especially in immunocompromised mice.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Murine respirovirus infection is typically based on clinical signs, serological assays to detect antibodies against the virus, and molecular techniques such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to identify viral RNA.

Prevention and Control

Preventive measures against Murine respirovirus include maintaining high standards of hygiene, implementing barrier systems to prevent the introduction of the virus into mouse colonies, and regular monitoring for the presence of the virus. Infected animals should be isolated and, if necessary, euthanized to control the spread of the infection.

Research and Importance

Murine respirovirus has been an important tool in virology research, providing insights into the mechanisms of viral pathogenesis, immune responses to viral infections, and the development of antiviral strategies. Its similarity to human respiratory viruses makes it a valuable model for studying the biology of these pathogens and for testing antiviral drugs and vaccines.

See Also

• Paramyxoviridae
• Viral pathogenesis
• Respiratory tract infections in animals
• Laboratory mouse