Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) disease is most often associated with which system of the body?

Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) primarily affects the gastrointestinal (GI) system in mice. This virus is known to cause more severe intestinal lesions, leading to diarrhea and weight loss. In infected mice, the virus often induces a range of pathological changes in the GI tract, including inflammation and necrosis, which can result in significant morbidity.

While MHV has the potential to affect other systems in severe cases, such as the respiratory and neurological systems, its primary and most notable pathogenic effects are observed in the GI system. This focus on the GI tract is crucial for laboratory technicians and researchers when considering disease management, quarantine practices, and overall animal health monitoring in research settings. Understanding the primary impact on the GI system helps in early recognition of the disease and applying appropriate interventions to mitigate its effects on the research population.