The inbreeding of the Y and the Z strains of Praomys natalensis with special reference to the laboratory uses of the Mastomys.

The Y and the Z strains of Praomys natalensis (Mastomys) are being sucessfully inbred, as far as is known for the first time. Spontaneous tumours of the glandular stomach have been found to develop in these rodents. Evidence is provided of the great potential of the laboratory Mastomys for use in medical research on cancer, plague, bilhaziasis, and more recently in the research on the Lassa fever virus.