Isolation and Characterization of a Neurotropic Agent (MHG Virus) From Adult Rats

Abstract

A transmissible agent (MHG) with biological and physical properties similar to the viruses of the enterovirus group has been isolated from pooled tissues of 3 white rats, Sprague-Dawley strain, obtained from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research animal colony. The agent produced fatal infections in both suckling rats and suckling mice when inoculated intracranially. A high incidence of complement-fixing antibodies against the new virus was found in adult human sera. The relationship of this virus to disease in man or animal has not been ascertained.