Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) as an Experimental Infection Model for Human Group A Rotavirus

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Group A rotaviruses (RVA) are a leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in infants globally.
• Faecal-oral transmission is the primary route for rotavirus spread, affecting nearly all unvaccinated children within their first two years.
• Developing a reliable experimental animal model for RVA is crucial for evaluating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and validate an experimental monkey model for human Group A rotavirus infection.
• To assess viral shedding and viraemia in *Macaca fascicularis* following oral inoculation with the Wa RVA prototype.

Main Methods:

• Nine juvenile-adult *Macaca fascicularis* monkeys were orally inoculated with human Wa RVA (seven animals) or saline (two controls).
• Monkeys were clinically monitored, with faeces and blood samples collected and tested for RVA RNA.
• Viral RNA detection in faecal and serum samples indicated successful infection and replication.

Main Results:

• Oligosymptomatic infection was observed in inoculated monkeys, with two exhibiting self-limited diarrhoea for three days.
• A reduction in plasmatic potassium content was noted in monkeys with diarrhoea.
• Viral RNA was detected in faecal samples from seven animals and serum samples from five animals.

Conclusions:

• Cynomolgus monkeys (*Macaca fascicularis*) are susceptible to human Wa RVA infection via oral inoculation.
• The observed self-limited diarrhoea and viral shedding confirm the utility of this species as a potential animal model.
• This model holds promise for evaluating the efficacy of new antiviral treatments against rotavirus infections.