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Animal Model of Implant-Associated Infections in Mice
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Animal models for filovirus infections
Vinayakumar Siragam1,2, Gary Wong1,2,3,4, Xiang-Guo Qiu5,2
1Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3R2, Canada.
Zoological Research
|March 8, 2018
Summary
Filoviruses, like Marburgvirus and Ebolavirus, cause severe hemorrhagic fevers. This review examines small animal models for studying filovirus disease and testing medical countermeasures.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Filoviruses (Marburgvirus, Ebolavirus) are highly pathogenic to humans and non-human primates (NHPs).
- These viruses cause severe hemorrhagic fevers with high mortality rates.
- Developing effective treatments and vaccines requires understanding filovirus pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize various small animal models used in filovirus research.
- To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each model.
- To inform the selection of appropriate models for vaccine and antiviral screening.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on filovirus animal models.
- Analysis of small animal models including mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets.
- Comparison of model utility against non-human primate models.
Main Results:
- Small animal models offer a preliminary screening platform for filovirus countermeasures.
- Each model (mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets) presents unique advantages and limitations.
- Non-human primates remain the gold standard for filovirus research.
Conclusions:
- Small animal models are valuable tools for initial filovirus research and countermeasure development.
- Careful consideration of model-specific characteristics is crucial for effective research.
- Further research may refine these models for improved filovirus disease understanding.
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