Experimental Encephalomyocarditis Virus Infection in Small Laboratory Rodents

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is a cardiovirus that belongs to the family Picornaviridac. EMCV is an important cause of acute myocarditis in piglets and of fetal death or abortion in pregnant sows. Small rodents, especially rats, have been suspected to be reservoir hosts or carriers. This virus also induces type 1 diabetes mellitus, encephalomyelitis, myocarditis, orchitis and/or sialodacryoadenitis in small laboratory rodents. This paper reviews the pathology and pathogenesis of experimental infection with EMCV in small laboratory rodents. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.