Factors Influencing Host-Virus Interactions. II. Alteration of Coxsackie Virus Infection in Adult Mice by Cold.

Abstract

The natural resistance which limits infection with the Conn.-5 strain of Coxsackie virus to a non-fatal pancreatitis in adult mice was lost when infected adult mice were placed in a cold environment (4[degree]C),and a lethal infection resulted which was characterized by a persisting viremia, high levels of virus in the liver, and lesions in other organs as well as the pancreas. This fatal outcome could be prevented by neutralization of the virus or passive immunization with specific antlserum. The virus LD50 for adult mice at 4[degree]C was approximately 10 times that for suckling mice at 25[degree]C. To initiate a fatal infection, exposure to cold had to be continuous and begun within a few days after virus inoculation.