What effect does Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV) have on laboratory research?

The Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV) is known to primarily affect immune response and overall health in infected mice. Specifically, one of the significant effects of MHV is its impact on newborn mice, which are particularly vulnerable due to their immature immune systems. Infection with MHV can lead to high mortality rates in this age group because they are unable to mount an effective immune response against the virus.

In contrast, adult mice usually have better immune competency, which can help them withstand the effects of the virus, resulting in lower mortality in that age group. This dynamic makes understanding MHV crucial for laboratory settings, as the presence of the virus can skew research outcomes, especially in studies involving neonatal mice.

The virus can also disrupt breeding practices, but it doesn't lead to increased breeding success, nor is it accurate to say it has no significant impact on research, as the health and viability of research subjects directly influence experimental results. Therefore, the correct response reflects the specific vulnerability of newborn mice to MHV and highlights the importance of understanding infectious diseases in the context of laboratory animal health and research outcomes.