Diarrhea in gnotobiotic calves caused by the reovirus like agent of human infantile gastroenteritis

Abstract

Gnotobiotic newborn calves were found to be susceptible to infection with the reovirus like agent of human infantile gastroenteritis (HRVL). Infection was based on (i) seroresponse using immunofluorescence and (ii) fecal shedding of virus particles using electron microscopy. Virus was detected in fecal samples for at least 2 to as long as 7 days after inoculation, although peak virus concentrations were observed on days 1 to 4. Diarrheal illness was observed in seven calves on second to 4th serial passage of HRVL in calves but in none of 4 animals studied on first passage. Diarrhea began 15 to 30.5 hr (mean = 22.3 hr) post inoculation and lasted less than 24 hr; three of the 7 animals that developed diarrhea were also depressed or anorectic.