Zoonotic Infections from Hantavirus and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) Associated with Rodent Colonies That Were Not Experimentally Infected

摘要

The risk assessment for research involving rodents housed in colonies must include the potential for transmission of Hantavirus and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Various zoonotic strains of Hantavirus are present at varying levels in wild rodent reservoirs around the world; LCMV infects a percentage of the common house mouse population. The infection in rodents for these viruses is generally inapparent, and transmission of both viruses to staff working with the rodents is documented in the literature. Exposure to aerosolized feces, urine, nesting material dust, or bites from an infected rodent can transmit the virus to both the staff and the uninfected rodents in the colony. Infection can also be spread to rodents from implantation of cells passaged in infected rodents, since both viruses retain infectivity during storage of infected cells in liquid nitrogen. This literature survey of occupational infections with Hantavirus and LCMV arising from work with rodent colonies is offered to increase understanding of 4 elements of AAALAC International requirements for rodent colony management: pest control, verification of pathogen status prior to import of rodents, health monitoring of rodent colonies, and pathogen testing of rodent-derived biologicals used in animal protocols. Although published case studies do not provide statistical data, the cases presented here illustrate the importance of adhering to rigorous colony management programs. The pet industry in the United States does not follow these critical standards, as evidenced by the outbreak of Seoul virus, a strain of Hantavirus, in 2018 and a larger outbreak of LCMV virus that occurred in 2012.