Figure 4.

Schematic summary of the findings. Susceptibility of Mastomys to MORV infections is age-dependent. Neonates are permissive to the infection, can become chronically infected and transmit the virus horizontally, leading to more chronically infected animals. Adults and weaned individuals are permissive to the infection with MORV but clear the virus within a few weeks. Infected juveniles show a mixed phenotype with some individuals remaining long-term infected and some clearing the virus, although at a slower rate compared to adults. All animals that are in contact with the virus develop IgG antibodies, independent of their infection status. MOBV-inoculated neonatal Mastomys, on the other hand, show only transient viremia, clear the virus rapidly and are unable to transmit the virus. The figure was created by BioRender.com.