Examination of latent infection in germfree mice for some murine viruses.

Sera from some groups of germfree mice were examined for reactivity against Sendai, reo 3, Theiler's GD VII, ectromelia, and mouse hepatitis virus antigens. Of 51 sera collected in September and October 1976 and in August and September 1977 from one germfree mouse breeding colony, there was no positive reaction against all the antigens tested. Moreover, the attempt of virus isolation from homogenates of various organs including lungs, liver, kidneys, and intestines of 6 germfree mice was unsuccessful.