Sendai Virus

Diagnostic spectrum

General information

Sendai virus, also known as murine parainfluenza virus 1, causes infections in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats and mice as well as in humans. An introduction into a population leads to severe respiratory symptoms (focally ulcerative/necrotising rhinitis/tracheitis, pneumonia and pleuritis) and mortality rates of up to 100% especially in mice. If the infection persists in a population, the course of infection is milder or subclinical. Once the infection is overcome, antibodies are detectable throughout life.