Modelling filovirus maintenance in nature by experimental transmission of Marburg virus between Egyptian rousette bats

Amy J. Schuh, Brian R. Amman, Megan E. B. Jones, Tara K. Sealy, Luke S. Uebelhoer, Jessica R. Spengler, Brock E. Martin, Jo Ann D. Coleman-McCray, Stuart T. Nichol and Jonathan S. Towner ()
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Amy J. Schuh: Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Brian R. Amman: Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Megan E. B. Jones: Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tara K. Sealy: Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Luke S. Uebelhoer: Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Jessica R. Spengler: Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Brock E. Martin: Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Jo Ann D. Coleman-McCray: Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Stuart T. Nichol: Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Jonathan S. Towner: Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The Egyptian rousette bat (ERB) is a natural reservoir host for Marburg virus (MARV); however, the mechanisms by which MARV is transmitted bat-to-bat and to other animals are unclear. Here we co-house MARV-inoculated donor ERBs with naive contact ERBs. MARV shedding is detected in oral, rectal and urine specimens from inoculated bats from 5–19 days post infection. Simultaneously, MARV is detected in oral specimens from contact bats, indicating oral exposure to the virus. In the late study phase, we provide evidence that MARV can be horizontally transmitted from inoculated to contact ERBs by finding MARV RNA in blood and oral specimens from contact bats, followed by MARV IgG antibodies in these same bats. This study demonstrates that MARV can be horizontally transmitted from inoculated to contact ERBs, thereby providing a model for filovirus maintenance in its natural reservoir host and a potential mechanism for virus spillover to other animals.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14446

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