Alterations in Pathogenesis of Experimental Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Caused by Prepassage of the Virus Through Heterologous Host

Abstract

Three strains of the virus of lymphocytic choriomeningitis were maintained by serial passages through mice and guinea-pigs. The substrains thus obtained possessed marked meningo-encephalotropism but differed in viscerotropic affinities. The meningo-encephalotropism was maintained by both species. Viscerotropism was lost in the mouse, but restored or imparted to the virus by the guinea-pig. Significant alterations in the pathogenesis of experimental disease were contingent upon the differences in viscerotropic affinities of the substrains.