Transmission of Epidemic Influenza Virus in Mice by Contact

Abstract

Results are given of contact expts. in which groups of normal mice became infected with influenza virus and developed moderate to extensive consolidation of the lungs by contact with mice infected with human or swine strains. Normal mice placed in jars with mice infected with epidemic influenza virus will under certain conditions contract an infection, seldom fatal, evident as moderate to extensive consolidation of the lungs. The PR8 and W.S. strains of human influenza virus are more readily transmitted by contact than are the Melbourne and swine strains. The degree of infection of the contact mice is related to the conc. of virus given to the inoculated mice and to the time of contact. External application of virus does not cause demonstrable infection of mice, but ingestion of virus may produce lung lesions in a certain percentage of a group of mice.