Epizootic Diarrhea of Infant Mice (EDIM) – NAVLE Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Epizootic Diarrhea of Infant Mice (EDIM) is a highly contagious viral infection of neonatal and suckling mice caused by murine rotavirus (Group A rotavirus). The disease primarily affects mice between 0-14 days of age, with peak susceptibility at 4-14 days. Adult mice are asymptomatic carriers that shed virus to susceptible offspring.
While clinical disease is often subclinical in modern SPF colonies, EDIM can cause diarrhea, stunted growth, and mortality in affected litters. Understanding EDIM is important for the NAVLE as it represents a common research animal pathogen and illustrates rotavirus biology.
Etiology and Viral Characteristics
Viral Classification
- Family: Reoviridae
- Genus: Rotavirus (Group A)
- Genome: Double-stranded RNA, segmented (11 segments)
- Morphology: Wheel-shaped virion (Latin: rota = wheel), 70 nm diameter, non-enveloped
- Strains: Multiple strains identified with variable virulence
Environmental Stability
- Highly stable in environment; persists in feces, bedding, and fomites
- Resistant to many disinfectants; susceptible to bleach, formaldehyde, phenolics
- Survives at room temperature for extended periods
Epidemiology and Transmission
Age-Related Susceptibility
Susceptibility to EDIM is HIGHLY age-dependent:
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