Characterization of a SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 direct-contact transmission model in hamsters.

ABSTRACT: As SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve antigenically to escape vaccine- or infection-induced immunity, suitable animal models are needed to study novel interventions against viral variants. Syrian hamsters are often used because of their high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and associated tissue damage in the respiratory tract. Here, we established a direct-contact transmission model for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 in hamsters. First, we determined whether 10³ or 10⁴ TCID₅₀ in a low-volume inoculum led to reproducible infection and viral shedding in male and female hamsters. Next, we determined the optimal co-housing timing and duration between donor and recipient hamsters required for consistent direct-contact transmission. Finally, we compared viral loads and histopa

SUBMITTER: Handrejk K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11537969 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature