What diseases can mice transmit? - briefly
Mice transmit bacterial infections such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and plague, viral illnesses including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and lymphocytic choriomeningitis, and parasitic diseases like toxoplasmosis. Transmission occurs via bites, contaminated urine, droppings, or contact with nesting material.
What diseases can mice transmit? - in detail
Mice serve as reservoirs for a wide range of pathogens that affect humans. Transmission occurs through direct contact with rodent excreta, bites, inhalation of aerosolized particles, or contamination of food and water.
• Hantavirus – primarily Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome; inhalation of contaminated dust; fever, muscle aches, respiratory distress, potentially fatal.
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) – exposure to urine, droppings, or saliva; flu‑like symptoms, meningitis, encephalitis; risk heightened in immunocompromised individuals.
• Salmonella enterica – ingestion of food contaminated by rodent feces; gastroenteritis, fever, diarrhea; can lead to severe dehydration.
• Leptospira interrogans (leptospirosis) – contact with urine‑contaminated water; high fever, headache, jaundice; may progress to renal or hepatic failure.
• Yersinia pestis (plague) – flea vectors that feed on infected mice; bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic forms; rapid onset of fever, swollen lymph nodes, shock.
• Bartonella henselae – scratches or bites; cat‑scratch disease‑like symptoms, lymphadenopathy, fever.
• Streptobacillus moniliformis (rat‑bite fever) – bite or scratch; fever, rash, arthritis; requires prompt antibiotic therapy.
• Mycobacterium ulcerans – skin lesions after contact with contaminated soil; ulcerative lesions, tissue necrosis.
• Toxoplasma gondii – ingestion of oocysts from contaminated material; flu‑like illness, ocular disease, severe complications in pregnancy.
• Arenavirus (Lassa‑like viruses) – rare, zoonotic transmission; hemorrhagic fever, multi‑organ failure.
Bacterial infections often arise from ingestion of contaminated food or water, while viral diseases typically result from inhalation of aerosolized particles. Parasitic agents such as Toxoplasma are acquired through accidental ingestion of oocysts. Prompt identification of exposure routes enables targeted preventive measures, including rodent control, sanitation, protective equipment for laboratory personnel, and public education on safe food handling.