Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Establishment of a Severe Dry Eye Model Using Complete Dacryoadenectomy in Rabbits
07:43

Establishment of a Severe Dry Eye Model Using Complete Dacryoadenectomy in Rabbits

Published on: January 8, 2020

11.1K

Asymptomatic Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in rabbits

Bart L Haagmans1, Judith M A van den Brand2, Lisette B Provacia2

  • 1Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands b.haagmans@erasmusmc.nl.

Journal of Virology
|March 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Rabbits show resistance to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, with no severe symptoms observed. However, infectious MERS-CoV was detected in their upper respiratory tract, suggesting a potential transmission route.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Animal Models

Background:

  • Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) poses a public health threat.
  • Previous studies indicate limited susceptibility of small animals like mice, ferrets, and hamsters to MERS-CoV.
  • Understanding MERS-CoV host range is crucial for controlling its spread.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the susceptibility of rabbits to MERS-CoV infection.
  • To determine if rabbits can serve as a model for MERS-CoV pathogenesis and transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Rabbits were inoculated with MERS-CoV.
  • Viral load in respiratory tissues was assessed.
  • Histopathological examination of lungs was performed.
  • Clinical signs of infection were monitored.

Main Results:

  • MERS-CoV was detected in the lungs of inoculated rabbits.
  • No significant histopathological changes were observed in the lungs.
  • No clinical symptoms of MERS-CoV infection were evident in rabbits.
  • Infectious MERS-CoV was recovered from the upper respiratory tract.

Conclusions:

  • Rabbits exhibit resistance to severe MERS-CoV disease.
  • The upper respiratory tract excretion of infectious MERS-CoV in rabbits suggests a potential transmission pathway.
  • Rabbits may not be a suitable model for studying MERS-CoV pathogenesis but could inform transmission dynamics.

More Related Videos

Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus13:00

Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus

Published on: July 31, 2021

4.3K
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses03:53

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses

Published on: November 10, 2023

2.2K

Related Concept Videos

Rabies01:28

Rabies

Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...
Coronavirus01:29

Coronavirus

Coronaviruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), are enveloped viruses characterized by their single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome and helical nucleocapsid structure. The hallmark of these viruses is their club-shaped spike (S) glycoproteins that protrude from the viral envelope, facilitating attachment to host cells. Typically, coronaviruses infect the upper respiratory tract, often causing mild or asymptomatic disease. However, certain strains like...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...