rodent and rabbit assay data sheet

Mouse rotavirus (EDIM)

Test code: S0097 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of mouse rotavirus (EDIM) by reverse transcription coupled real time PCR.

 S0097 is included on P0029 - Mouse Essentials Panel and on P0032 Mouse Minipanel

Diarrhea in young laboratory mice is often caused by mouse rotavirus, also called epizootic diarrhea of infant mice (EDIM). This RNA virus is highly contagious and is transmitted via contaminated bedding, airborne dust, and through contact with infected mice. The virus is shed in the feces for about 10 days post-infection. Animals are most susceptible between 0 and 14 days of age.

Infected mice, usually under 14 days of age, will develop symptoms such as watery and mustard-colored stools, lethargy, and distended abdomens. Rectal impaction may occur at 12 to 16 days of age. If the impacted fecal material is not removed spontaneously or deliberately, the animals will die.

This virus can alter host physiology in multiple ways and can significantly complicate the interpretation of research findings. Examples of such alterations include increased susceptibility to the pathologic effects of copathogens, altered results of dietary and nutritional studies and alterations in gastrointestinal physiology.

Diagnosis based on serology (eg ELISA) is inadequate in a number of cases, such as in acute outbreaks when affected mice may not develop ELISA-detectable antibodies for several days after initial exposure, resulting in rapid, undetected spread of the virus through a colony. Direct detection of viral RNA by reverse transcription PCR is useful in such cases.

Utilities:

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

Specimen requirements: Fecal pellet.

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: Qualitative reverse transcription coupled real time polymerase chain reaction

Normal range: Nondetected