Susceptibility of tamarins (Saguinus) to measles virus

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Primate Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Measles virus (MeV) poses a significant threat to primate health.
• Understanding MeV transmission dynamics in non-human primates is crucial for disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathogenicity and transmissibility of two distinct measles virus strains in tamarins.
• To identify the primary route of MeV infection in experimental settings.

Main Methods:

• Experimental infection of tamarins (Saguinus mystax and Saguinus labiatus) with two measles virus strains (JM and Edmonston).
• Observation and recording of clinical signs, mortality rates, and transmission patterns.
• Evaluation of potential infection routes, with a focus on aerosol transmission.

Main Results:

• The JM strain of measles virus exhibited high pathogenicity and transmissibility in tamarins, leading to a high fatality rate.
• The Edmonston strain demonstrated lower pathogenicity and reduced transmissibility compared to the JM strain.
• Aerosol transmission was identified as the most likely route for measles virus infection in this tamarin model.

Conclusions:

• Tamarins are susceptible to experimental measles virus infection, with varying outcomes depending on the viral strain.
• Measles virus strain virulence significantly impacts disease severity and spread in tamarins.
• Aerosol inhalation is the probable primary route of measles virus transmission in tamarins, highlighting the importance of airborne precautions.