Virus Studies With Germfree Mice. II. Comparative Responses of Germfree Mice to Virus Infection2

Abstract

Despite the consequences of a microorganism-free existence, germfree mice responded to infection with certain viruses in a manner comparable to that of conventionally reared mice. Serologic responses of germfree and conventional mice to polyoma and pneumonia virus of mice, measured by hemagglutination-inhibition, and to reovirus type 3, measured by complement fixation as well, were comparable both in time course and final antibody titer. Further, the susceptibility of germfree mice to infection with influenza, pneumonia virus of mice, epizootic diarrhea of infant mice, and possibly Theiler's mouse encephalomyelitis viruses was not different from that of conventional mice. No differences in the quantity or rate of influenza virus replication were detected between the groups.