Experimental infection of an African dormouse (Graphiurus kelleni) with monkeypox virus.
Suitable animal models are needed to study monkeypox virus (MPXV) as human monkeypox clinically resembles smallpox and MPXV is a zoonotic and potential bioterroristic agent. We have demonstrated that a species of African dormice, Graphiurus kelleni, is susceptible to a lethal infection of MPXV and that MPXV replicated in multiple organs of this species. Following intranasal administration, MPXV replicated locally in the nasal mucosa causing necrosis and hemorrhage with subsequent systemic spread to lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and other tissues where it caused severe necrosis and/or hemorrhage leading to death. The dormouse model was validated for testing prophylactic (Dryvax vaccine) and therapeutic (cidofovir) test articles against intranasal challenges with MPXV.
Schultz
Denise A
DA
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA. dschul10@jhmi.edu
Sagartz
John E
JE
Huso
David L
DL
Buller
R Mark L
RM
D000825:Animal Structures / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077404:Cidofovir; D003596:Cytosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006470:Hemorrhage; D006801:Humans; D045908:Mpox, Monkeypox / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D008993:Monkeypox virus / Q000254:growth & development*; D046330:Myoxidae / Q000821:virology*; D009336:Necrosis; D063065:Organophosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine / Q000276:immunology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; C078786:DryVax vaccine; D063065:Organophosphonates; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine; D003596:Cytosine; D000077404:Cidofovir