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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus

Published on: January 28, 2019

Transmission of rotavirus gastroenteritis from children to a monkey

J D Mitchell, L A Lambeth, L Sosula

    Gut
    |February 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study shows human rotavirus can infect infant monkeys, with virus particles observed in duodenal tissue within minutes and accumulating in lysosomes days later. This marks the first successful transmission of human rotavirus to a non-human primate model.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Gastroenterology
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants worldwide.
    • Understanding rotavirus transmission and pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective interventions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the potential for human rotavirus transmission to a non-human primate model.
    • To characterize the early cellular interactions and pathological changes following rotavirus inoculation.

    Main Methods:

    • Pooled rotavirus suspension from human stools was infused into an infant Nemestrina macaque.
    • Duodenal mucosal biopsies were collected at various time points post-inoculation.
    • Samples were analyzed using light and electron microscopy and lysosomal activity assays.

    Main Results:

    • Virus-like particles were detected in duodenal mucosa within 20 minutes of inoculation, associated with microvilli and intracellular vesicles.
    • Large lysosomal bodies containing numerous virus particles were observed in epithelial cells on days 4 and 5.
    • No viral particles were found in pre-inoculation samples or at later time points (days 16, 25).

    Conclusions:

    • This study provides the first evidence of human rotavirus transmission to a non-human primate species (Nemestrina macaque).
    • The findings demonstrate rapid viral uptake and subsequent accumulation within lysosomes in the duodenal epithelium.
    • The Nemestrina macaque may serve as a valuable animal model for studying human rotavirus infection and disease.

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