A Filter-Passing Agent Producing Interstitial Myocarditis in Anthropoid Apes and Small Animals

Abstract

A filter-passing agent from the pleural fluid and spleen of a chimpanzee that died of acute cardiac failure and pulmonary edema was passed through a series of 122 mice and regularly produced paralysis and death or else recovery in 1-2 wks. Necropsy of the mice showed interstitial myocarditis. In animals that died in paralysis, acute myelitis of the cord was observed. The agent also produced lesions m the kidneys and spleen. The agent was sterile on repeated culture. It was destroyed at 70[degree] C exposure for 20 min. It was potent and specific when introduced by any route. It was present in the nasal washings of inoculated animals. It produced myocarditis in guinea pigs and rabbits.