[Generalized monkeypox in orally infected rabbits and white mice]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Epidemiology

Context:

• 17 human monkeypox cases and 4 deaths reported in Africa over 5 years.
• The source and transmission mechanisms of monkeypox remain largely unknown.
• Consumption of monkey meat is a potential, yet unconfirmed, route of human infection.

Purpose:

• To investigate the susceptibility of laboratory animals to monkeypox virus via oral administration.
• To establish an animal model for studying monkeypox pathogenesis and transmission.
• To explore potential natural routes of monkeypox transmission.

Summary:

• Adult rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters showed resistance to oral monkeypox virus exposure.
• Ten-day-old rabbits and mice aged 8-12 days developed generalized infections with high mortality after oral inoculation.
• Airborne droplet transmission was observed between infected and uninfected littermate rabbits, suggesting a potential natural transmission route.

Impact:

• Establishes a susceptible animal model for monkeypox research.
• Provides evidence supporting the possibility of oral and airborne transmission of monkeypox in natural settings.
• Informs future research into monkeypox prevention and control strategies.