[New findings on the ecology and epidemiology of murine herpes virus isolated in Slovakia].

Rodents are important reservoir animals of many human microbial pathogens. Of small rodents, trapped on Slovakia territory, were several strains of murine herpes virus (MHV) isolated. Our purpose was to complete the existing knowledge about circulation of MHV in rodents and to find out, whether also other animal species including man are MHV sensitive or not. The presence of antibodies against MHV in serum of the tested animals and men was followed by virus neutralization test (VNT) and ELISA. Pathological changes in differential white blood cell count of the trapped rodents, were also observed because it is known, that MHV induces them in laboratory mice. A total of 627 small terrestrial mammals of nine species were collected in four localities of western and eastern Slovakia during 1984-1988. Neutralizing antibodies to MHV were detected in five species of rodents in 130 cases (20.7%). Antibodies were most frequently detected in Apodemus flavicollis (34.9%). Pathological changes in differential white blood cell count of trapped rodents were detected in 37% (34/92). Neutralizing antibodies were found also in serum of fallow deers (Dama dama), wild boars (Sus scrofa), deers (Cervus elaphus) and sheep but not in serum of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and muflons (Ovis musimon). ELISA and VNT tests were used to investigate 20 serums of employees of the Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Natural Sciences of Comenius University. There were eight samples positive (40%). The titers of antibodies were 4-32 in VNT and 1000 in ELISA.