Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate methods to eliminate pathogenic viral agents while preserving the 'normalizing' properties of the gut microflora of mice. Mouse hepatitis virus A59 (MHV), Reo 3 virus and Theiler GD VII virus were added to the caecal contents of 'normal' mice and following dilution, with or without subsequent culturing, given to germ-free mice. Four weeks later antibody titres against these and other viruses were determined. MHV and Theiler CD VII virus survived dilution but were eliminated during culturing. Reo-virus survived the 10-1 dilution-culture step. All dilutions and dilutioncultures of caecal contents resulted in 'normalization' in germ-free recipients of the relative caecal weight, percentage faecal fusiform-shaped bacteria, faecal bile acids and colonization of small intestine by segmented filamentous bacteria.