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Ferrets are valuable models for SARS-CoV-2 research.
Malgorzata Ciurkiewicz1, Federico Armando1, Tom Schreiner1
1University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
Veterinary Pathology
|January 10, 2022
Summary
This study characterized a new intratracheal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ferret model. Ferrets showed mild upper airway disease, offering insights into COVID-19 pathogenesis and research models.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to a global pandemic.
- Understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis is crucial, with ferrets being a common animal model.
- The intratracheal inoculation route in ferrets is not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present clinical, virological, and pathological data from young ferrets intratracheally inoculated with SARS-CoV-2.
- To characterize the SARS-CoV-2 intratracheal infection model in ferrets.
- To compare ferret and mink models for zoonotic betacoronaviruses.
Main Methods:
- Intratracheal inoculation of young ferrets with SARS-CoV-2.
- Clinical assessment, viral RNA load quantification, and pathological examination.
- Scanning electron microscopy of nasal respiratory mucosa.
Main Results:
- Infected ferrets showed no significant clinical signs but transient infection.
- Mild to moderate rhinitis and pulmonary endothelialitis/vasculitis were observed.
- Viral antigen localized to nasal respiratory epithelium, associated with epithelial damage and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- The intratracheal ferret model exhibits mild upper airway disease with specific tropism.
- This model provides insights into SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and host-virus interactions.
- Ferrets and mink offer distinct advantages/disadvantages as research models for zoonotic betacoronaviruses.
