AN INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS OF UNDETERMINED ORIGIN IN MICE

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Abstract
Serial intraperitoneal passage in mice of a saline extract of the pooled livers, spleens and kidneys of such animals was demonstrated after 3 or more passages of a transmissible agent causing hepatitis. Illness characterized by hepato-splenomegaly, and serous ascites developed after 3-4 weeks. Spontaneous diuresis and recovery usually occurred during the subsequent 2-4 weeks. Histological studies of the livers showed diffuse mononuclear infiltrations, focal accumulations of mononuclear cells, perivascular mononuclear cuffing, dilated sinusoids, and occasionally focal areas of necrosis. Mice which have recovered from the disease showed no noteworthy resistance to it, and their sera failed to protect against the infectious agent. Attempts to infect rabbits, guinea pigs, monkeys, and embryonated hens'' eggs yielded negative results, but young hamsters developed the disease in mild form. No known pathogenic bacteria, fungi, protozoa, leptospira, rickettsia or viruses were demonstrated in infected mice. Ascites hepatitis agent does not pass through a Seitz filter and differs in most respects from the agents previously described which produce hepatitis in mice.