Coxsackievirus B3 HFMD animal models in Syrian hamster and rhesus monkey

Abstract

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is the pathogen causing hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), which manifests across a spectrum of clinical severity from mild to severe. However, CVB3-infected mouse models mainly demonstrate viral myocarditis and pancreatitis, failing to replicate human HFMD symptoms. Although several enteroviruses have been evaluated in Syrian hamsters and rhesus monkeys, there is no comprehensive data on CVB3. In this study, we have first tested the susceptibility of Syrian hamsters to CVB3 infection via different routes. The results showed that Syrian hamsters were successfully infected with CVB3 by intraperitoneal injection or nasal drip, leading to nasopharyngeal colonization, acute severe pathological injury, and typical HFMD symptoms. Notably, the nasal drip group exhibited a longer viral excretion cycle and more severe pathological damage. In the subsequent study, rhesus monkeys infected with CVB3 through nasal drips also presented signs of HFMD symptoms, viral excretion, serum antibody conversion, viral nucleic acids and antigens, and the specific organ damages, particularly in the heart. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences in myocardial enzyme levels, and the clinical symptoms resembled those often associated with common, mild infections. In summary, the study successfully developed severe Syrian hamsters and mild rhesus monkey models for CVB3-induced HFMD. These models could serve as a basis for understanding the disease pathogenesis, conducting pre-trial prevention and evaluation, and implementing post-exposure intervention.