Marmoset Hepatitis Virus (MHV), also known as Tupaia Hepatitis Virus (THV), is a small, enveloped RNA virus that belongs to the Hepadnaviridae family. It is primarily known for infecting marmosets, a type of small New World monkey, thus its name.
MHV is considered to be a significant pathogen in marmoset colonies and has been extensively studied as a model for human hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. There are various strains of MHV, including MHV-3, MHV-1, and MHV-2, which differ in their pathogenicity and clinical presentation.
The virus is transmitted through various routes, including vertical transmission from mother to offspring, horizontal transmission through exposure to infected bodily fluids, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Once inside the host, MHV primarily replicates in the liver, causing acute or chronic hepatitis, liver inflammation, and potential liver damage.
Symptoms of MHV infection in marmosets may include anorexia, jaundice, lethargy, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), and elevated liver enzyme levels. In severe cases, it may progress to liver failure and death. Chronic infections can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).
Research on MHV has contributed significantly to the understanding of viral hepatitis and the development of diagnostic tools, antiviral therapies, and preventive strategies. Moreover, the availability of a small animal model like the marmoset makes it valuable for studying the pathogenesis and immune response against hepatitis viruses.
