Effect of minerals on susceptibility of Swiss mice to Theiler's virus

SummaryThe influence of the level of 6 common minerals on the susceptibility of Swiss mice to Theiler's GDVII virus has been investigated in more than 1100 animals.No demonstrable effect on the susceptibility to this infection was found by varying the level of calcium, magnesium or chlorine in the diet, some effect was noted with sodium, while striking results were obtained with potassium and phosphorus.A progressively decreased resistance was observed as the amount of potassium or of phosphorus was increased in the diets up to the optimal levels.