Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)

Member of the Arenaviridae family, enveloped virus, ssRNA.

In mice, the Armstrong strain increases viral titers for 3-4 days then declines to clear completely. The clone 13 strain (derived from Armstrong), increases viral titers for months after infection and causes immunosuppression. It is thought that the clone 13 strain is more virulent and it has caused LAIs. The WE strain has been found to be lethal in non-human primates (NHP).

Fibroblast or epithelial cell lines (37°C, 5% C02).

House mice (Mus musculus) are natural hosts. LCMV can also infect humans other animals (hamsters, guinea pigs, NHPs, etc).

LCMV is excreted through mice urine, saliva, and feces. Transmission occurs through inhalation, ingestion, and contact with mucous membranes and cuts or breaks in the skin. Vertical transmission is possible from mother to child. There is no other evidence of human to human transmission.

First phase: febrile illness (fever, lack of appetite, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, headache, and/or malaise).
Second phase: meningeal symptoms, encephalitic symptoms, and myelitis (swelling of the spinal cord).

Unknown.

8-13 days.

None available.

None available.

None available.

Monitor for symptoms and test using serology and viral isolation.

Report any exposures.

Women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should be aware that pregnant women infected with LCMV can transmit the virus to their fetus. This can result in loss of pregnancy or serious birth defects.

There have been well documented LAIs from infected animals and contaminated cell lines. 46 cases with 5 deaths have been documented.

Urine, saliva, blood, tissues, CSF, nasopharynx secretions, and feces from infected humans, animals, and contaminated cell lines.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)

Welsh, RM et Al. (2008). Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus UNIT 15A.1(LCMV): Propagation, Quantitation, and Storage. Current Protocols in Microbiology: 15A.1.1

Manipulation of known or potentially infected clinical samples and cell cultures of laboratory adapted strains.

Manipulations involving high aerosol potential, high concentrations or volumes of virus, and strains lethal to NHP.

Work with adult mice infected with BSL-2 strains.

Work with infected hamsters and work with adult mice infected with BSL-3 strains.

Notify others working in the lab. Allow aerosols to settle. Don appropriate PPE. Cover area of the spill with paper towels and apply an EPA registered disinfectant, working from the perimeter towards the center. Allow 30 minutes of contact time before disposal and cleanup of spill materials.

Contact Emory’s Biosafety Officer (404-727-8863),
the EHSO Office (404-727-5922), or
The Spill Response Team (404-727-2888).

Flush eyes, mouth or nose for 15 minutes at eyewash station.

Wash area with soap and water for 15 minutes.

Immediately report incident to supervisor, complete an employee incident report in PeopleSoft.

7am-4pm (OIM): EUH (404-686-7941) EUHM (404-686-7106) WW (404-728-6431)

After Hours: OIM NP On Call 404-686-5500 PIC# 50464

Needle Stick (OIM): EUH (404-686-8587) EUHM (404-686-2352)

Yerkes: Maureen Thompson Office (404-727-8012) Cell (404-275-0963)

Susceptible to 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde, 70% ethanol, and formaldehyde.

Inactivated by heat.

90-Capable of surviving outside of the host (mouse droppings)% reduction in several hours.

At minimum, personnel are required to don gloves, closed toed shoes, lab coat, and appropriate face and eye protection prior to working with Lentivirus. Additional PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs.

Due to the modes of transmission, respirators may be required when working with LCMV. Fit testing and training is required annually per Emory's Respiratory Program (PDF).