[A serological study concerning the role of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) in transmitting lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus to humans (author's transl)].

A search for lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus-specific antibody was conducted in 580 persons. One group consisted of 190 14-year-old to 17-year-old girls. In 149 of these hamster contact, either recently or in the more distant past, was certain; three had antibody. In 41 girls hamster contact was doubtful and one was positive. In a second group consisting of 390 persons of either sex and all ages the question as to association with hamsters was answered 123 times in the affirmative. Hamster contact was denied 251 times and uncertain 16 times. In sera from five individuals of this group antibody to LCM virus was detected; they all confirmed having had contact with hamsters.