ORCID
- Michael A. Jarvis: 0000-0002-0124-4061
Abstract
The continuing emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants calls for regular assessment to identify differences in viral replication, shedding and associated disease. In this study, we compared African green monkeys infected intranasally with either the UK B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant or its contemporary D614G progenitor. Both variants caused mild respiratory disease with no significant differences in clinical presentation. Significantly higher levels of viral RNA and infectious virus were found in upper and lower respiratory tract samples and tissues from B.1.1.7 infected animals. Interestingly, D614G infected animals showed significantly higher levels of viral RNA and infectious virus in rectal swabs and gastrointestinal tissues. Our results indicate that B.1.1.7 infection in African green monkeys is associated with increased respiratory replication and shedding but no disease enhancement similar to human B.1.1.7 cases.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2021-11-01
Publication Title
Emerging Microbes and Infections
Volume
10
Issue
1
ISSN
2222-1751
Acceptance Date
2021-10-18
Deposit Date
2021-02-12
Embargo Period
2021-12-03
First Page
2173
Last Page
2182
Recommended Citation
Rosenke, K., Feldmann, F., Okumura, A., Hansen, F., Tang-Huau, T., Meade-White, K., Kaza, B., Callison, J., Lewis, M., Smith, B., Hanley, P., Lovaglio, J., Jarvis, M., Shaia, C., & Feldmann, H. (2021) 'UK B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant exhibits increased respiratory replication and shedding in nonhuman primates', Emerging Microbes and Infections, 10(1), pp. 2173-2182. Available at: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1997074
