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Author Spotlight: Marmoset Research - Scope and Challenges
Published on: June 9, 2023
Natural SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Free-Ranging Black-Tailed Marmoset (Mico melanurus) from an Urban Area in Mid-West
Asheley Hb Pereira1, Anna L Vasconcelos2, Victoria Lb Silva3
1Setor de Anatomia Patológica, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Abstract:
The emergence of spillover pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 is a risk to vulnerable human populations. We report natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in a free-ranging adult female black-tailed marmoset (Mico melanurus) from an urban area of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The animal was found after a motor vehicle collision without previous clinical history. Necropsy confirmed polytrauma. Severe multifocal to coalescent haemorrhage and mild multifocal peribronchial lymphocytic hyperplasia were seen in lung sections. The alveolar septa were multifocally expanded by a few lymphocytes. Mild lymphocytic periportal hepatitis and interstitial nephritis were found. The lymphoid nodules of the large intestine showed marked lymphocytic hyperplasia. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 was established by viral RNA detection in a pool of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs and liver samples. Immunohistochemistry detected the viral nucleocapsid protein in sections of lung, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and large intestine, and spike protein antigen in lung tissue. This is the first report of naturally occurring SARS-CoV-2 infection in a New World monkey. Platyrrhine species should be included as potential hosts of natural infection of SARS-CoV-2.
Insights
A black-tailed marmoset in Brazil was naturally infected with SARS-CoV-2. This finding highlights New World monkeys as potential hosts for the virus, emphasizing the risk of zoonotic spillover.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Primate Virology
Background:
- Emerging infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, pose significant risks to global health.
- Understanding the host range of spillover pathogens is crucial for preventing future outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first confirmed case of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in a New World monkey.
- To investigate the pathological findings and viral distribution in an infected marmoset.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of tissues from a deceased black-tailed marmoset.
- Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using RT-PCR on swab and liver samples.
- Immunohistochemistry to identify viral nucleocapsid and spike proteins in various tissues.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed via viral RNA detection and immunohistochemistry in lung, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and large intestine.
- Histopathology revealed severe lung hemorrhage, lymphoid hyperplasia in the large intestine, and mild hepatitis and nephritis.
- Viral nucleocapsid protein was detected across multiple organs, with spike protein antigen identified in the lungs.
Conclusions:
- This study documents the first natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in a platyrrhine (New World monkey).
- Black-tailed marmosets can be naturally infected with SARS-CoV-2, indicating their potential role as hosts.
- Platyrrhine species should be considered in surveillance and research efforts for SARS-CoV-2 natural infections.
