Chimpanzees in hepatitis C virus research: 1998-2007.
BACKGROUND
Chimpanzees have been widely used in hepatitis C virus (HCV) research, but their endangered status and high financial and ethical costs have prompted a closer review.


METHODS
One hundred and nine articles published in 1998-2007 were analyzed for the number of chimpanzees involved, experimental procedures, objectives and other relevant issues.


RESULTS
The articles described the use of 852 chimpanzees, but accounting for likely multiple uses, the number of individual chimpanzees involved here is estimated to be approximately 500. Most articles addressed immunology and inoculation studies. A significant portion of studies lasted for several months or years. Approximately one half of the individual chimpanzees were each used in 2-10 studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant financial and scientific resources have been expended in these chimpanzee HCV studies. Discussion addresses troublesome questions presented by some of the reviewed articles, including statistical validity, repeatability, and biological relevance of this model. These concerns merit attention as future approaches to HCV research and research priorities are considered.
Bettauer
R H
RH
Bettauer BioMed Research, Mc Lean, VA, USA. raija.bettauer@verizon.net
D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000941:ethics*; D000818:Animals; D018420:Ape Diseases / Q000821:virology*; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000254:growth & development*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D002679:Pan troglodytes; D010506:Periodicals as Topic