Mice Minute Viruses, also known as MMVs, are a genus of viruses that primarily infect mice. They belong to the family Parvoviridae and the subfamily Parvovirinae. MMVs are small, non-enveloped viruses characterized by their small genome size and single-stranded DNA. They have a diameter of about 18-20 nanometers, making them one of the smallest known viruses.
These viruses are typically found in laboratory mice, where they can cause a variety of diseases and pathologies. Mice Minute Viruses are primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning that infected mice shed the virus in their feces, which can then be ingested by other mice. They can also be transmitted vertically from infected mothers to their offspring.
MMVs have been known to cause a range of symptoms in mice, including growth retardation, anemia, immune system suppression, liver damage, and reproductive disorders. In some cases, they may lead to death, particularly in immunocompromised or genetically susceptible mice.
In research settings, Mice Minute Viruses can pose a significant challenge as they can interfere with experimental outcomes, affect the health and wellbeing of laboratory mice, and compromise the reliability of experiments. Therefore, special measures are often taken to prevent and control their spread, such as regular screening of mice colonies, strict quarantine protocols, and the use of specific pathogen-free facilities.
Overall, Mice Minute Viruses are important viruses to consider when working with laboratory mice, both for their potential impact on mouse health and experimental outcomes.
