Theiler’s Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus (TMEV) is an infectious virus discovered in 1937 that attacks neurons and grey matter in murine species. As a Picornavirus TMEV shares a family with other viruses such as poliovirus, foot-and-mouth disease virus and rhinovirus. TMEV induces a biphasic disease in susceptible mouse strains. Acute infection in mice shows a distinct apoptosis of neurons in the grey matter. This pathogen is also commonly used as an experimental model for multiple sclerosis.
Transmission:
Most cases are administered in a lab as a model for multiple sclerosis. This, however, poses a risk of spreading infection from mouse to mouse via the fecal-oral route as well as contaminated equipment or personnel. The virus is extremely contagious among dense populations and caution must be exercised.
Symptoms:
TMEV primarily affects infects the central nervous system. As a result, the outward appearing symptoms are similar to other CNS diseases like multiple sclerosis. These may include:
- Rapid encephalitis
- Gait disturbance
- Hind leg weakness
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Epilepsy
- Death
