Susceptibility of Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) to Monkeypox Virus: A Low Dose Prospective Model for Monkeypox and Smallpox Disease

PLoS One. 2015 Jul 6;10(7):e0131742. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131742. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Although current nonhuman primate models of monkeypox and smallpox diseases provide some insight into disease pathogenesis, they require a high titer inoculum, use an unnatural route of infection, and/or do not accurately represent the entire disease course. This is a concern when developing smallpox and/or monkeypox countermeasures or trying to understand host pathogen relationships. In our studies, we altered half of the test system by using a New World nonhuman primate host, the common marmoset. Based on dose finding studies, we found that marmosets are susceptible to monkeypox virus infection, produce a high viremia, and have pathological features consistent with smallpox and monkeypox in humans. The low dose (48 plaque forming units) required to elicit a uniformly lethal disease and the extended incubation (preclinical signs) are unique features among nonhuman primate models utilizing monkeypox virus. The uniform lethality, hemorrhagic rash, high viremia, decrease in platelets, pathology, and abbreviated acute phase are reflective of early-type hemorrhagic smallpox.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Callithrix
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Disease Susceptibility*
  • Male
  • Models, Biological*
  • Monkeypox virus / isolation & purification
  • Monkeypox virus / pathogenicity*
  • Mpox (monkeypox) / physiopathology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Variola virus / isolation & purification
  • Variola virus / pathogenicity*
  • Vero Cells
  • Viral Load

Grants and funding

This work was internally funded by the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.