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Evaluation of Marburg Virus Medical Countermeasures in Guinea Pigs
Christopher Massey1,2, Robert W Cross2,3, Courtney Woolsey4,5
1Institutional Office of Regulated Nonclinical Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Various animal models have been established to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV), and to develop medical countermeasures (MCMs) against them. Of these models, which range from rodents to nonhuman primates (NHPs), the macaque model most closely mimics the severe disease displayed in humans. Nevertheless, rodent models mirror many key aspects of human infection and are frequently used for the initial assessment of experimental vaccines and treatments. Due to the less restrictive housing and husbandry requirements for these models, large-scale experiments can be performed to evaluate a number of test articles and/or dosing regimens.Adaptation of MARV and RAVV by serial passaging is necessary to cause disease in immunocompetent rodent species. While mice provide limited predictive value of vaccine and therapeutic efficacy against these viruses, guinea pigs have emerged as a dependable indicator of outcomes in late-stage NHP testing. Additionally, the larger size of guinea pigs compared to mice permits more frequent and substantial blood sample collection. This chapter outlines the essential procedures to conduct intraperitoneal challenge, blood collection, and the administration of MCMs in MARV and RAVV guinea pig models using biosafety level 4 practices.
Insights
Guinea pigs are a valuable model for studying Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV) pathogenesis and developing medical countermeasures (MCMs). This model closely mimics human disease, aiding in vaccine and therapeutic assessments.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV) pose significant public health threats, necessitating robust animal models for research.
- Nonhuman primates (NHPs) closely mimic human disease, but rodent models offer advantages for large-scale studies and initial assessments of medical countermeasures (MCMs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail essential procedures for using guinea pigs as a model for MARV and RAVV infection.
- To outline methods for evaluating MCMs in guinea pig models under biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) conditions.
Main Methods:
- Adaptation of MARV and RAVV through serial passaging in immunocompetent rodents.
- Intraperitoneal challenge, blood collection, and MCM administration in guinea pigs.
- Utilizing biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) practices for all procedures.
Main Results:
- Guinea pig models provide a dependable indicator of outcomes in late-stage NHP testing for MARV and RAVV.
- Rodent models, particularly guinea pigs, allow for large-scale experiments and evaluation of multiple MCMs and dosing regimens.
- Guinea pigs facilitate more frequent and substantial blood sample collection compared to mice.
Conclusions:
- Guinea pig models are crucial for understanding MARV and RAVV pathogenesis and for the preclinical evaluation of MCMs.
- The outlined procedures enable standardized and effective research in MARV and RAVV guinea pig models within BSL-4 environments.
