Mouse polyoma virus (POLY)

Test code: S0100 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of mouse polyoma virus by real time PCR

Mouse polyoma virus (POLY) often originates in wild mice. Contaminated feed and bedding are important sources of infection, as are transplantable tumors and other biological specimens. The virus is highly contagious and is shed in all secretions of an infected animal, especially urine. Transmission is very rapid between cagemates, cages and adjacent rooms in an animal facility. Transplacental transmission has also been described.

Mice infected with this virus usually have few if any clinical symptoms. Thus many mice are potential carriers. The virus can induce tumor formation, paralysis and wasting in nude and immunocompromised mice.

Serological detection of the virus is inadequate, especially in nude mice and immunocompromised mice, which lack normal immunological response. Furthermore, neonatal mice infected with the virus may not be readily identified due to residual maternal antibodies. Molecular detection by PCR overcomes these problems and provides a highly sensitive and specific detection technique.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical diagnosis of mouse polyoma virus
• Ensure that vivariums are free of mouse polyoma virus
• Early prevention of spread of mouse polyoma virus among a vivarium
• Minimize personnel exposure to this virus
• Safety monitoring of biological products that derive from mice

Specimen requirements: 0.1 ml urine, or 0.1 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow top) tube, or fresh or paraffin-embedded tissue, shipped overnight at room temperature; or tissue shipped frozen.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodology: Ultrasensitive qualitative real time polymerase chain reaction

Normal range: Nondetected