Suitability of the Rufiventer Marmoset as a Host Animal for Human Hepatitis A Virus

Abstract

The rufiventer marmoset, which closely resembles marmosets designated as Saquinus labiatus, Marikina labiata and Jacchus rufiventer, was an equally satisfactory host animal as S. mystax for studies of human hepatitis A virus. Callithrix jacchus, C. argentata, S. weddelli and S. oedipus marmosets were not satisfactory. Rufiventer marmosets were highly susceptible to infection with hepatitis A virus. Following viral adaptation, livers of rufiventer marmosets produced satisfactory CR326 virus antigen for immune adherence tests in terms of amount and specificity. Importantly, rufiventer marmosets inoculated with rufiventer-adapted CR326 virus showed enzyme elevations and high titers of viral antigen in their livers as early as 7 days after virus inoculation. These findings may be of importance in understanding the pathogenesis of hepatitis. A, indicating that a primary viral infection can cause hepatitis without need for a secondary autoimmune response to liver tissue.