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Updated: May 9, 2026
Production of Genetically Engineered Golden Syrian Hamsters by Pronuclear Injection of the CRISPR/Cas9 Complex
Published on: January 9, 2018
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) does not replicate in Syrian hamsters
Emmie de Wit1, Joseph Prescott, Laura Baseler
1Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America. emmie.dewit@nih.gov
Abstract:
In 2012 a novel coronavirus, MERS-CoV, associated with severe respiratory disease emerged in the Arabian Peninsula. To date, 55 human cases have been reported, including 31 fatal cases. Several of the cases were likely a result of human-to-human transmission. The emergence of this novel coronavirus prompts the need for a small animal model to study the pathogenesis of this virus and to test the efficacy of potential intervention strategies. In this study we explored the use of Syrian hamsters as a small animal disease model, using intratracheal inoculation and inoculation via aerosol. Clinical signs of disease, virus replication, histological lesions, cytokine upregulation nor seroconversion were observed in any of the inoculated animals, indicating that MERS-CoV does not replicate in Syrian hamsters.
Insights
Syrian hamsters are not a suitable model for studying Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This research found no evidence of MERS-CoV replication or disease in inoculated hamsters.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012, causing severe respiratory illness and fatalities.
- Human-to-human transmission of MERS-CoV has been documented.
- A suitable small animal model is crucial for understanding MERS-CoV pathogenesis and developing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Syrian hamsters as a potential small animal model for MERS-CoV.
- To assess the susceptibility of Syrian hamsters to MERS-CoV infection.
Main Methods:
- Syrian hamsters were inoculated via intratracheal and aerosol routes with MERS-CoV.
- Animals were monitored for clinical signs, virus replication, histological lesions, cytokine responses, and seroconversion.
Main Results:
- No clinical signs of disease were observed in any inoculated hamsters.
- No detectable virus replication, histological lesions, cytokine upregulation, or seroconversion occurred.
- These findings indicate MERS-CoV does not replicate in Syrian hamsters.
Conclusions:
- Syrian hamsters are not an appropriate model for studying MERS-CoV.
- Further research is needed to identify a suitable small animal model for MERS-CoV.
