Genetic diversity of collaborative cross mice enables identification of novel rift valley fever virus encephalitis model

Although rift valley fever virus (RVFV) infection to humans elicits diverse clinical manifestations including acute febrile illness, hepatitis, hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis, a currently available mouse model of this viral infection shows only lethal acute hepatitis phenotype. In this study, using a Collaborative Cross recombinant inbred mouse resource system, an encephalitis mouse model infected with RVFV was reported. A key feature of this new experimental system is administration of the virus in the footpad to mimic the naturally occurring mosquito bite, instead of previously used intranasal or aerosol exposures. The genetic background of hosts makes a major contribution to RVFV infectious disease variation.