LVG Golden Syrian Hamster

The Golden Syrian Hamster is applicable for studies relating to SARS-CoV-2 due to its high levels of sequence homology with human ACE2 receptors and strong viral titers within 48 hours of inoculation. The model exhibits maximum clinical signs such as high lung viral load, cytokine activation, spleen and lymphoid atrophy, and can develop serum antibodies.Three members of a litter captured in Syria in 1930 were retained in captivity. It is the progeny of these golden hamsters that were first imported to the United States in 1938. Descended from two original colonies acquired by Lakeview in 1949 and 1951. Closed outbred colony since 1951. To Charles River in 1969.