LACK OF SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE COTTONTOP TAMARIN TO HEPATITIS-C INFECTION

The only species apart from man that is known to be susceptible to HCV infection is the chimpanzee but the availability of this primate for research is strictly limited. In an attempt to find an alternative and more practical model for HCV studies three cottontop tamarins were in oculated intravenously with HCV-containing serum from patients with ch ronic HCV infection. The tamarins were monitored regularly for biochem ical indications of hepatic inflammation and serum samples were assaye d at weekly intervals for the presence of HCV-RNA and HCV antibodies. HCV-RNA was detectable at 10 minutes postinoculation in all three anim als but not at any later time point over a 6 month period. No evidence of an active humoral immune response to the inoculated HCV was obtain ed although passively transferred anti-HCV was detectable in one anima l until 1 week postinoculation. Biochemical findings did not indicate hepatic inflammation and liver histology remained normal. It is conclu ded on the basis of these negative findings that the cottontop tamarin is not susceptible to HCV infection. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.