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Updated: May 13, 2026
Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Assessment of the ferret as an in vivo model for mumps virus infection
L Parker1, S M Gilliland1, P Minor1
1Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar EN6 3QG, UK.
Abstract:
Humans are the sole reservoir for mumps virus (MuV), the causative agent of mumps. No animal model currently exists; therefore, in vivo knowledge of the virus is limited. Ferrets were assessed for their susceptibility to MuV based on their success as a model for influenza. We infected ferrets with clinical or attenuated vaccine MuVs by the nasal route and demonstrated evidence of immunogenicity in these animals with generation of a serum antibody response specific to MuV infection and cytokine production consistent with infection. However, no live virus or viral RNA was detected in nasal washes, oral swabs, urine, faeces or tissue homogenates, and no animals exhibited clinical signs. We suggest results to be obtained from ferrets are limited in fundamental in vivo MuV research and that they may not be a suitable animal model for this virus.
Insights
Ferrets show an immune response to mumps virus (MuV) but do not shed the virus or show symptoms. These findings suggest ferrets may not be a suitable animal model for mumps virus research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Mumps virus (MuV) is a human pathogen with limited in vivo research due to the absence of a suitable animal model.
- Understanding MuV pathogenesis requires an appropriate animal model to study viral behavior and host response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the susceptibility of ferrets to mumps virus (MuV) infection.
- To assess ferrets as a potential animal model for in vivo MuV research.
Main Methods:
- Ferrets were intranasally inoculated with either clinical or attenuated vaccine strains of MuV.
- Humoral immune response (serum antibody) and cytokine production were measured.
- Viral shedding was assessed through nasal washes, oral swabs, urine, feces, and tissue homogenates.
Main Results:
- Ferrets developed a specific serum antibody response to MuV and exhibited cytokine production indicative of an immune response.
- No live MuV or viral RNA was detected in any tested samples (nasal washes, oral swabs, urine, feces, tissues).
- No clinical signs of mumps infection were observed in the inoculated ferrets.
Conclusions:
- Ferrets mount an immune response to MuV but do not support viral replication or shedding.
- Ferrets are unlikely to be a suitable animal model for fundamental in vivo MuV research.
- Further investigation is needed to identify or develop an appropriate animal model for mumps virus.
