Marmoset Hepatitis Viruses (MHV) are a group of viruses that primarily infect marmosets, a type of small New World monkey found in South and Central America. MHV belongs to the family of viruses called Flaviviridae and the genus Hepacivirus, which also includes the Hepatitis C virus that infects humans.
These viruses are known to cause severe liver disease in marmosets, ranging from acute (short-term) to chronic (long-term) hepatitis, similar to Hepatitis C infections in humans. MHV can lead to liver failure and in some cases, death, particularly in young or immunocompromised marmosets.
The transmission of MHV is primarily through contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as during biting, scratching, or grooming between infected and susceptible marmosets. Vertical transmission (from mother to baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding) and horizontal transmission (through direct or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces) have also been reported.
There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine available for MHV infections in marmosets, and prevention mainly focuses on strict hygiene practices, isolation of infected animals, and routine testing of colony animals. Research on MHV in marmosets is primarily aimed at understanding the pathogenesis, transmission, and prevention strategies of the virus.
It is important to note that MHV is specific to marmosets and does not pose a direct risk to humans. However, studying MHV infections in marmosets can provide valuable insights into the development of treatments and vaccines for human Hepatitis C infections.
