The Relation of Viral Replication to Interstitial Pneumonitis in Murine Cytomegalovirus Lung Infection

Using a murine model of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) interstitial pneumonitis, we examined the relation between the virus content of the lung and lung disease. While MCMV alone does not cause lung disease, interstitial pneumonitis was present in all mice receiving both MCMV and a single dose of cyclophosphamide. In this case the severity of disease, judged by increases in wet weight of the lung, was proportional to the virus content of the lung. Although both acyclovir (50 mg/kg per day) and passive antibody administration reduced the MCMV titers in lung tissues by >90%, histological evidence of interstitial pneumonitis was present in all animals. However, both virus inhibitors reduced the severity of interstitial pneumonitis in treated mice. While transient alterations in host immunity are necessary to induce interstitial pneumonitis after MCMV infection, the severity of interstitial pneumonitis seems to reflect the burden of virus replication. Reduction of virus growth does not prevent, but may moderate, MCMV interstitial pneumonitis.