Mouse Elberfeld virus (MEV) is a viral pathogen belonging to the family Picornaviridae and the genus Cardiovirus, known for its affinity to infect murine hosts. It is named after Elberfeld, a city in Germany, where the first isolation of this virus was reported.
MEV is a single-stranded RNA virus that primarily affects rodents, particularly laboratory mice. It is known to induce severe myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, leading to myocardial damage and potential cardiac dysfunction in infected animals. The virus is highly contagious and spreads through various routes, including direct contact, aerosols, or through contamination of food and water sources.
Symptoms of MEV infection in mice include weight loss, lethargy, ruffled fur, and hunched posture. Histopathological examination may reveal lymphoid depletion, myocarditis, and necrosis in affected animals. The severity of disease and outcomes can vary depending on the viral strain, age, genetic background, and health status of the infected mice.
Mouse Elberfeld virus research is important for understanding both the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis and the development of preventive measures. Studies have focused on vaccine development, antiviral therapies, and evaluating host immune responses against MEV. These investigations contribute to the understanding of similar picornaviruses that affect humans, such as coxsackievirus, and offer potential insights into the prevention and treatment of viral myocarditis in both humans and animals.
