Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis: Gray Mice, Mus musculus, a Reservoir for the Infection

Abstract

2 human cases of lymphocytic choriomeningitis are described from the District of Columbia making a total of 4, all from homes harboring gray mice which were proved to be active carriers of the virus of this disease. Among 303 mice trapped from various portions of the District of Columbia 21% were infected. The infected mice were from 34 homes from which 122 mice were examined and 52% found to be active carriers. 62 mice from homes harboring infection, when inoculated intracerebrally with 10 to 15 M.L.D. of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, revealed 66% to be immune.