How do mice get sick with mouse fever? - briefly
Mice acquire the illness mainly when infected fleas bite them, introducing Rickettsia typhi into the bloodstream. The pathogen then proliferates in endothelial cells, provoking systemic inflammation that manifests as fever.
How do mice get sick with mouse fever? - in detail
Mice develop the febrile illness when they become infected with the causative agents, most commonly hantavirus, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) or Rickettsia spp. Transmission occurs through several pathways:
- Aerosolized excreta – urine, feces, and saliva dry and release viral particles that are inhaled during normal activity.
- Direct contact – biting, grooming, or handling of infected individuals spreads virus through saliva or blood.
- Vertical transmission – infected mothers pass the pathogen to offspring during gestation or nursing.
- Ectoparasite vectors – fleas and mites acquire the organism from an infected host and inoculate a new mouse during feeding.
After entry, the pathogen replicates in local immune cells (macrophages for LCMV, endothelial cells for Rickettsia). The infection disseminates via the bloodstream, reaching the central nervous system and other organs. Cytokine release (IL‑1, TNF‑α, IFN‑γ) triggers the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, producing fever. Concurrent vasculitis, hemorrhage, and tissue necrosis generate additional clinical signs such as lethargy, weight loss, and ruffled fur.
Environmental conditions that increase incidence include:
- High population density, which raises contact rates.
- Poor ventilation, facilitating aerosol accumulation.
- Low hygiene, allowing buildup of contaminated bedding.
- Stressors (predator odor, temperature extremes) that suppress immune function.
Laboratory detection relies on serology (IgM/IgG ELISA), PCR amplification of viral RNA, or culture of bacterial isolates from tissue samples. Early identification and isolation of affected colonies reduce spread. Supportive care—hydration, temperature regulation, and antimicrobial therapy for bacterial agents—improves survival rates.