Scientists Develop First Lethal Hamster Model for COVID-19 (IMAGE)

US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases

Scientists Develop First Lethal Hamster Model for COVID-19

Caption

Hamsters expressing the human version of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein, the cellular entry receptor of SARS-CoV-2, are highly susceptible to infection and develop a lethal disease. In addition to respiratory infection, the virus also enters the central nervous system and causes damage. Image on left shows how SARS-CoV-2 infection led to severe damage within the nasal turbinates, including a complete obstruction of the nasal cavity. Normal nasal turbinate is shown on the right with open passages. This transgenic hamster model may be useful for studying factors that contribute to severe disease outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 infected humans.

Credit

Photo credit: MAJ Curtis R. Cline, USAMRIID

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