Murine Leukemia Virus (MuLV), Strain LPBM

Prepared by: Michael J. Huerkamp, DVM, Diplomate ACLAM
Date: November 5, 2001

Agent: Murine Leukemia Virus (MuLV), Strain LPBM5

The LPBM5 strain of MuLV is a defective virus that does not replicate, but is able to cause disease in mice. It is used in studies of AIDS pathogenesis, treatment, vaccination, molecular biology, and cures.

Potential Hazard: The agent is not easily transmitted even from mouse-to-mouse much less human-to-human. The major risk of infection is probably from needlestick when inoculating mice with the agent. There have been no reports of MuLV transmission from mice to humans.

Recommended Precautions: Biosafety Level II containment and management practices are more than adequate to contain MuLV.

References:
Chattopadhyay, S.K. et al. Defective virus is associated with induction of murine retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency syndrome. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 1989; 86(10): 3862-6.

Jolicoeur, P. Murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS): An animal model to study the AIDS pathogenesis. FASEB J. 1991; 5(10): 2398-405.

Mosier, D.E., et al. Retroviral induction of acute lymphoproliferative disease and profound immunosuppression in adult C57BL/6 mice. J. Exp. Med. 1985; 161: 766-84.

Mosier DE. Special topic overview: Small animal models for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) research, Lab Anim Sci 1996; 46: 257-65.