Importance

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a pathogen, normally carried in rodents, which can cause aseptic meningitis and other conditions in humans. Most people experience a relatively mild illness and fatal infections are rare; however, pregnant women may give birth to congenitally infected infants with severe defects of the brain and eye. In a few instances, this virus has been transmitted in transplanted organs, usually resulting in fatal disease. LCMV infections in rodents are often subclinical, although acute clinical signs or chronic effects may be seen in some animals. Some strains of this virus can cause life-threatening illness in New World monkeys. LCMV is also a potential bioterrorist weapon. Etiology The lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus is a member of the genus Arenavirus and family Arenaviridae. There are many strains of this virus with varying pathogenicity. LCMV is classified in the Lassa-Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (Old World) serocomplex of arenaviruses. Two recently discovered viruses in this complex might be able to cause similar illnesses. Kodoko virus, which was detected in Mu