Theiler`s Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus.pdf

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infects various host species, including wild mice, laboratory mice, and other rodents. Natural hosts include wild mice, laboratory mice, water voles, bank voles, and meadow voles. The virus has also been detected in laboratory rats and guinea pigs. TMEV is an RNA virus belonging to the family Picornaviridae, genus Cardiovirus, with all strains being of the same serotype. The virus can be stored at -60°C and is stable at pH 8 and pH 3.3, but is rapidly destroyed at temperatures above 50°C. Different mouse strains exhibit varying susceptibility to the virus, with some being highly susceptible and others resistant. The virus replicates in the gastrointestinal mucosa and can spread to the central nervous system, causing clinical disease characterized by flaccid posterior paralysis, excitability, and convulsions. Pathological features include non-suppurative encephalomyelitis, gliosis, and necrosis of neurons. The virus has no zoonotic potential but can interfere with research by inducing chronic CD4+ responses and altering cytokine expression.