SARS-CoV-2 infection induces protective immunity and limits transmission in Syrian hamsters

• DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000886
• Publication Date: 2021-02-11T16:31:14Z
• Authors: Prabhuanand Selvaraj; Christopher Z Lien; Shufeng Liu; Charles B Stauft; Ivette A Nunez; Mario Hernandez; Eric Nimako; Mario A Ortega; Matthew F Starost; John U Dennis; Tony T Wang
• Keywords: Mesocricetus; Syrian hamsters; Viral Pneumonia; Viral Shedding

A critical question in understanding the immunity to SARS-COV-2 is whether recovered patients are protected against re-challenge and transmission upon second exposure. We developed a Syrian hamster model which intranasal inoculation of just 100 TCID 50 virus caused viral pneumonia. Aged hamsters more severe disease even succumbed SARS-CoV-2 infection, representing first lethal using genetically unmodified laboratory animals. After initial clearance, were re-challenged with 10 5 displayed than 4 log reduction median loads both nasal washes lungs comparison primary infections. Most importantly, unable transmit naïve hamsters, this was accompanied by presence neutralizing antibodies. Altogether, these results show that infection induces protective not only prevents re-exposure but also limits hamsters. These findings may help guide public health policies vaccine development aid evaluation effective vaccines SARS-CoV-2.