Evidence cluster — Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) husbandry, health & nutrition (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)

Evidence: Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) husbandry, health & nutrition

Source: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01. Queries covered husbandry, health/disease/parasitology, and nutrition/feeding for Cavia porcellus. The cluster returns 12 representative studies with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each study is traceable by PMID.

Studies

• PMID 42430075 (2026, Tropical animal health and production) — Prevalence, spatial distribution, and risk factors associated with pneumonic lesions in weaning guinea pigs from Pasto, Colombia.. Abstract (opening): The guinea pig, Cavia porcellus, is a key mammal in rural areas of some Andean countries, such as Colombia, where it serves as an important source of food with high nutritional value, thereby strengthening food security and improving rural quality of life. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of pneumonic patterns in weaning guinea pigs in the region of Pasto (Nariño), Colombia, the disease spatial distribution by the districts of Pasto, and the risk factors associated with the disease occurrence. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in three-week-old guinea pigs (n = 270) from 71 farms distributed across 14 Pasto districts. Samples were taken for histopathological evaluation of the respiratory system to search for histopathological lesions compatible with pneumonia. The diagnosis of pneumonia was established in 73.7% of the study population. The districts of Socorro and Encano had a proportion of pneumonia greater than 79%. The farm size > 100 animals (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.08-4.16), density of animals per cage, increases the odds of pneumonia. The biosecurity measures: facility washing (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.06-0.52) and disinfection of farm facilities (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23-0.92) reduce the odds of pneumonia. The odds of pneumonia were lower (OR 0.04; 95% CI 0.05-0.43) in farms located at an altitude of 2200 to 2600 mts. Pneumonia constitutes an important pathology in the region of Pasto, Colombia. These findings highlight the need to conduct research to determine causality and preventive measures for the management of respiratory disease in the guinea pig.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42430075/

• PMID 42076742 (2026, Veterinary sciences) — Multidrug-Resistant &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt; Causing Respiratory and Systemic Infection in a Guinea Pig (&lt;i&gt;Cavia porcellus&lt;/i&gt;) in Romania: A Case Report.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background/objectives</h4>Multidrug-resistant (MDR) <i>Escherichia coli</i> has increasingly been recognized as a pathogen capable of causing severe systemic infections in various animal species. However, reports describing respiratory and septicemic infections caused by MDR <i>E. coli</i> in guinea pigs remain scarce. The objective of this report was to describe the clinical, pathological, and microbiological findings associated with a fatal infection in a domestic guinea pig.<h4>Case study</h4>A 10-month-old female guinea pig (<i>Cavia porcellus</i>), kept as a companion animal in a household environment, presented with acute respiratory distress, lethargy, and anorexia, progressing rapidly to death within approximately 36 h of onset. Post-mortem examination revealed severe pulmonary congestion, diffuse inflammatory lesions in the trachea, and generalized vascular congestion in multiple organs. Bacteriological cultures obtained from lung and bone marrow samples yielded pure growth of <i>Escherichia coli</i>. Identification was confirmed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance to several antibiotic classes, including β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and phenicols, while susceptibility was retained only to aminoglycosides. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of virulence genes involved in adhesion and iron acquisition, supporting the pathogenic potential of the isolate.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This report highlights the ability of MDR <i>E. coli</i> to cause severe respiratory and systemic infections in guinea pigs. The findings underline the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate antimicrobial stewardship, and improved husbandry conditions in preventing such infections. From a One Health perspective, the circulation of resistant strains in companion animals may represent a potential risk for both environmental and human health.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42076742/

• PMID 42071946 (2026, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Occurrence and Genetic Diversity of &lt;i&gt;Cryptosporidium&lt;/i&gt; spp. in Pet Rodents from Yunnan, China: Identification of Zoonotic Subtypes in Hamsters.. Abstract (opening): <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. are common protist pathogens, and the growing popularity of pet rodents raises concerns about their potential role in zoonotic parasites transmission. However, epidemiological data on <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. in pet rodents in Yunnan Province is scarce. To examine the occurrence of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. in pet rodents in Yunnan, we collected 762 fecal samples from four rodent species across four cities. Nested PCR and DNA sequencing were used to characterize the species and subtypes of <i>Cryptosporidium</i>. The occurrence of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. in guinea pigs (<i>Cavia porcellus</i>), Siberian dwarf hamsters (<i>Phodopus sungorus</i>), Syrian hamsters (<i>Mesocricetus auratus</i>) and fancy rats (<i>Rattus norvegicus domestica</i>) was 18.7% (80/426), 17.3% (36/207), 12.5% (15/120), 0% (0/9), respectively, with an overall rate of 17.2% (131/762). According to regions, the positivity rate of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. in Zhaotong city, Kunming city, Yuxi city and Qujing city was 21.0%, 17.9%, 16.8% and 10.5%, respectively. In terms of sampling location, the occurrence of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. in pet markets, farms and shops was 19.5%, 18.6% and 0%, respectively. Sequence analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (<i>SSU</i> rRNA) gene identified six <i>Cryptosporidium</i> species/genotypes: <i>Cryptosporidium homai</i> (<i>n</i> = 52), <i>Cryptosporidium wrairi</i> (<i>n</i> = 30), <i>Cryptosporidium</i> sp. hamster genotype (<i>n</i> = 25), <i>Cryptosporidium andersoni</i> (<i>n</i> = 20), <i>Cryptosporidium parvum</i> (<i>n</i> = 5), and <i>Cryptosporidium muris</i> (<i>n</i> = 1). Further subtyping of <i>C. andersoni</i> isolates using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed a single subtype, with all isolates identified as A3A4A2A2. All five <i>C. parvum</i> isolates were identified as subtype IIdA15G1 based on the <i>gp60</i> gene. Our findings demonstrated the presence of the zoonotic <i>C. parvum</i> IIdA15G1 subtype in pet rodents, suggesting that these animals, particularly hamsters, may serve as reservoirs for human-pathogenic <i>Cryptosporidium</i> species. These results underscore the need for improved biosecurity and husbandry practices in the pet rodent trade to mitigate public health risks.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42071946/

• PMID 42212719 (2026, Veterinary medicine and science) — Age- and Sex-Dependent Dynamics in Pituitary Thyrotroph and Thyroid Hormones in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius): A Histochemical Approach.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and reproduction, yet its age- and sex-related dynamics in dromedary camels remain poorly understood.<h4>Objective</h4>This study aimed to investigate age- and sex-dependent variations in pituitary thyrotroph morphometry and thyroid hormone profiles in dromedary camels.<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 90 clinically healthy Brela breed camels of both sexes (aged 2 to ≥11 years) were grouped based on age and physiological status (lactating and non-lactating). Pituitary tissues (n = 60) were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)-producing thyrotrophs. Morphometric parameters, including cell count, size, and nuclear dimensions, were measured. Plasma concentrations of TSH, triiodothyronine (T₃), and thyroxine (T₄) were determined using ELISA.<h4>Results</h4>Thyrotroph cell counts did not differ significantly among groups. However, older camels (≥11 years) showed significantly increased cell and nuclear dimensions (p < 0.05). Plasma TSH levels decreased with age, with peak levels observed in females aged 5-10 years. T₃ concentrations varied significantly with age and sex, with higher levels in younger males. T₄ levels declined with age but were not significantly influenced by sex (p > 0.05).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Thyrotroph morphology and thyroid hormone dynamics in dromedary camels are significantly influenced by age and sex, indicating adaptive modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in response to metabolic and reproductive demands.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42212719/

• PMID 41630840 (2026, One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)) — Molecular detection of zoonotic RNA viruses in guinea pigs (&lt;i&gt;Cavia porcellus&lt;/i&gt;) from small-scale family farming in the region of Cusco, Peru.. Abstract (opening): Emerging zoonotic diseases are frequently associated with close human-animal interactions in small-scale farming systems. Guinea pigs (<i>Cavia porcellus</i>) are widely raised for food in the Andean region, often under poor sanitary conditions; however, little is known about their role as reservoirs of enteric viruses with zoonotic potential. This study aimed to detect zoonotic RNA viruses in intestinal samples from guinea pigs raised on small-scale family farms in the Cusco region of Peru. A total of 34 intestinal tissue samples from adult guinea pigs showing gastrointestinal lesions were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested PCR for the molecular detection of Coronavirus (CoV), Rotavirus A (RVA), <i>Mammalian orthoreovirus</i> (MRV), and Kobuvirus (KoV). Positive amplicons were sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically to confirm the PCR assays. Overall, 91.18% (31/34) of samples tested positive for at least one virus. RVA was the most frequently detected (58.82%), followed by CoV (29.41%), MRV (23.53%), and KoV (23.53%). Single-virus infections accounted for 20 cases and co-infections were identified in 11 cases. RVA was the most frequently detected, both in single (<i>n</i> = 9) and co-infections (<i>n</i> = 11). KoV detection was predominantly associated with co-infections rather than single infections. These findings provide the first molecular evidence of multiple zoonotic RNA viruses in guinea pigs from small-scale farming in Peru, highlighting their potential role as reservoirs in zoonotic transmission cycles. Enhanced surveillance and improved farm-level biosecurity are essential to mitigate risks of viral emergence in these traditional farming systems.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41630840/

• PMID 41902252 (2026, Viruses) — Animal Models for Swine Influenza Virus Research: Pathology, Viral Dynamics, and Immune Responses.. Abstract (opening): Swine influenza virus (SIV) continues to evolve and possesses notable zoonotic potential, making it an important respiratory pathogen of concern for both the global swine industry and public health. Owing to antigenic drift, genetic reassortment, and regional lineage diversity, vaccine efficacy against SIV shows marked variability across different epidemiological contexts. Therefore, establishing appropriate animal models to dissect its pathogenic mechanisms, transmission characteristics, and immune response patterns is of critical importance. This review systematically summarises the animal models commonly used in SIV research, including mice, ferrets, guinea pigs, pigs, and non-human primates, and provides an integrated analysis across three core dimensions: pathological manifestations, viral replication kinetics, and immune architecture. The evidence indicates that substantial inter-model differences exist in pulmonary lesion distribution, transmission efficiency, mucosal immune development, and cellular immune complexity, which in turn define their functional roles in mechanistic studies, transmission research, and vaccine evaluation. Building on this framework, this review further emphasises the value of a tiered, multi-model strategy in SIV research. In vitro systems and mouse models are well suited for early mechanistic exploration and preliminary vaccine screening; ferret and guinea pig models facilitate the evaluation of transmission dynamics; and the pig model, as the natural host system, remains the critical platform for confirming protective efficacy, identifying potential immunopathological risks, and assessing translational relevance. Importantly, the potential occurrence of vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease under antigen-mismatched conditions highlights the need to evaluate both protective performance and immunological safety during vaccine development. Overall, rational integration of evidence across multiple models, anchored to the natural host, will improve the predictability and translational reliability of SIV vaccine research.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41902252/

• PMID 42023055 (2026, Applied sciences (Basel, Switzerland)) — Hexavalent Chromium Oropharyngeal Aspiration Induced Behavior Effects and Essential Metal Dyshomeostasis in Young Hartley Guinea Pigs.. Abstract (opening): Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is the toxic form of chromium often used in industry for its hardness, bright colors, and anticorrosive properties. Cr(VI) is a known human lung carcinogen, making its inhalation an occupational hazard. Growing evidence emphasizes the neurotoxic potential of Cr(VI), though it is not linked to brain cancers. Few studies consider neurotoxicity in chromate workers, reporting impaired olfactory discrimination and an increased risk of death from mental health disorders. A major factor limiting translation of most rodent Cr(VI) studies to human populations has to do with vitamin C, which can reduce the toxic Cr(VI) to non-toxic Cr(III). Rats and mice synthesize vitamin C and are likely more resistant to Cr(VI) than humans. Here, we considered Cr(VI) neurotoxicity in guinea pigs (<i>Cavia porcellus</i>), which do not endogenously synthesize vitamin C. We exposed Hartley guinea pigs (both sexes) to occupationally relevant concentrations of Cr(VI) via oropharyngeal aspiration weekly for 90 days. We observed behavioral effects in the open field assay, elevated plus maze, Y-maze, and novel object recognition test during weeks 9-12 of exposure. After euthanasia, we assessed Cr accumulation and essential metal dyshomeostasis in the hippocampus. We observed significantly increased hippocampal Cr accumulation in females, while males exhibited essential metal dyshomeostasis.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42023055/

• PMID 41759941 (2026, Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS) — The Effect of Capromorelin and Extended-Release Buprenorphine on Body Weight in Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus).. Abstract (opening): Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are widely used in biomedical research and are sensitive to stress-induced anorexia and weight loss. Buprenorphine extended release (XR) is commonly used for analgesia in laboratory animals but has been associated with decreased appetite and weight loss. Capromorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist, is FDA-approved to stimulate appetite in dogs and cats. However, its utility in mitigating opioid-associated weight loss in guinea pigs has not been evaluated. This study's primary objective was to evaluate the effects of capromorelin on body weight in guinea pigs, both independently and in conjunction with buprenorphine XR administration, and whether oral capromorelin mitigates the weight loss associated with buprenorphine administration. A secondary objective was to evaluate habituation to voluntary consumption of an oral delivery puree and continued consumption of the puree with capromorelin added. Forty-eight female guinea pigs were randomized into 4 groups (n = 12/group) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Animals were acclimated for 5 days to receive oral treatments, and all received either oral capromorelin (5 mg/kg) or sham treatment daily for 3 days, combined with either a single subcutaneous dose of buprenorphine XR (0.48 mg/kg) or saline. Body weights were recorded days -7 through -3 and days 0 through 5. All animals accepted oral treatments without the need for oral gavage. Guinea pigs receiving buprenorphine XR experienced significant weight loss compared with controls and were significantly less likely to return to baseline weight. Capromorelin treatment did not significantly affect weight change, and no interaction between capromorelin and buprenorphine XR was observed. Therefore, capromorelin at 5 mg/kg once a day for 3 days did not mitigate weight loss associated with buprenorphine XR administration in guinea pigs. These findings emphasize the need for species-specific evaluation of appetite stimulants and support the value of extended monitoring following administration of long-acting analgesics.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41759941/

• PMID 42325572 (2026, iScience) — Regulatory changes underlying the evolution of skylight navigation.. Abstract (opening): Polarized skylight is an ancient navigational cue for many animals. In insects, its detection relies on the dorsal rim area (DRA), a specialized region of the compound eye. DRAs are widespread and vary in morphology and spectral tuning, raising the question of how this diversity evolved. Here we show that the DRA expression of the <i>Drosophila</i> transcription factor homothorax (encoded by the gene <i>hth</i>) depends on a 675 bp minimal enhancer. Genome editing of this enhancer abolishes both DRA formation and polarization-guided behavior. Furthermore, mutagenesis of conserved motifs suggests that enhancer activity is regulated by cooperative transcription factor activity. Newly generated antibodies from honeybees, butterflies, and mosquitoes reveal no <i>hth</i> expression in their DRAs, whereas <i>hth</i> is expressed across higher flies (Brachycera), coinciding with the loss of its homolog Pknox/Prep1. Phylogenetic comparisons therefore suggest that <i>hth</i>'s role in DRA specification arose relatively recently, coinciding with evolutionary changes in photoreceptor optics and photochemistry from lower to higher flies.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42325572/

• PMID 41837629 (2026, Journal of bacteriology) — &lt;i&gt;Mycobacterium tuberculosis&lt;/i&gt; as a model system.. Abstract (opening): Over the past 30 years, the study of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> has become a vibrant field that supports basic investigation into mycobacteria, wide-ranging studies of <i>M. tuberculosis</i> pathogenesis, and drug and therapeutic development. In this minireview, we highlight the multiple ways in which <i>M. tuberculosis</i> is a model. <i>M. tuberculosis</i> has emerged as a model for prokaryotic biology, revealing basic mechanisms of gene expression, genomic integrity, and mutagenesis that expand prokaryotic dogmas established in earlier model organisms. Next, we highlight the experimental systems used to model <i>M. tuberculosis</i> human infection. As an obligate human pathogen, all attempts to understand the pathogenesis of TB disease seek to mimic the human infection, and a variety of systems have emerged from our field. Finally, we highlight that the <i>M. tuberculosis</i> field is a model for a community-driven scientific approach to a pressing global health problem for which commercial interest is limited. Our field has taken on the challenge of drug and diagnostic development, based on a foundation of expanding knowledge of basic <i>M. tuberculosis</i> biology, by working through academic and public/private partnerships, to make meaningful progress in therapeutics and diagnostics. Altogether, we present the <i>M. tuberculosis</i> field as a model for the development of a productive community that spans basic, translational, and therapeutic research, supported by public and philanthropic funding, to ultimately positively impact the treatment of human TB and the advancement of our knowledge base of microbiology and microbial pathogenesis.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41837629/

• PMID 41600618 (2026, Toxics) — Antimicrobial Peptide Sublancin Skin Sensitization and Irritation Assessment in Guinea Pigs and Rabbits.. Abstract (opening): This study evaluated the skin sensitization of the antimicrobial peptide sublancin to support its safety assessment for topical application. Sensitization was assessed using the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT), in which animals received sublancin (2 mg/kg), vehicle (negative control), or 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (positive control) during induction and challenge phases. Skin reactions (erythema and edema) were recorded after challenge. Irritation was evaluated in rabbits following single and repeated applications of sublancin to intact and abraded skin, with observations made at multiple time points. In the GPMT, no erythema or edema was observed in the sublancin-treated group or negative control group at 24, 48, and 72 h post-challenge, corresponding to a sensitization rate of 0%. All animals in the positive control group exhibited moderate to severe erythema and edema (sensitization rate 100%). In both single- and repeated-dose rabbit irritation tests, sublancin induced no erythema or edema on intact or abraded skin at any observation point, resulting in a total irritation score of 0. Furthermore, no significant differences in the daily weight gain were observed between any experimental group and the negative group (<i>p</i> > 0.05). In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, sublancin showed no skin sensitization potential in guinea pigs and no irritant effects in rabbits, supporting its local tolerance for topical veterinary use.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41600618/

• PMID 42435424 (2026, Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)) — CD31&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; Cell Enrichment Enhances Therapeutic Effects of Stromal Vascular Fraction in Experimental Primary Osteoarthritis: A Preclinical Study in the Dunkin Hartley Guinea Pig Model.. Abstract (opening): Despite the growing burden of osteoarthritis (OA), effective disease-modifying treatments remain limited. Hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, and hydrogels are in clinical use, but their efficacy beyond placebo is debated. Cell-based therapies are continuously investigated for their disease-modifying potential. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a minimally processed and clinically accessible cell product, has shown therapeutic potential, but remains poorly characterized in respect to its pro-regenerative cell types and molecular signaling. To determine whether CD31⁺ cell enrichment enhances the regenerative efficacy of SVF, a comparative efficacy study was conducted using the Dunkin Hartley guinea pig model of spontaneous OA. Spatial proteomics reveals that both treatments modulate cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, reducing fibronectin and COL1A1 levels, with CD31⁺ SVF showing more pronounced effects. Both therapies attenuate cartilage fibrosis, increase aggrecan, suppress MMP-13, and reduce TNF-α and MCP-1 expression. Compared to SVF, CD31⁺ SVF shows greater and more consistent improvements in subchondral and trabecular bone integrity. These findings demonstrate that CD31⁺ enrichment enhances the therapeutic potential of SVF, likely through more consistent modulation of ECM remodeling and osteochondral integrity. Our results provide a preclinical rationale for the testing of CD31⁺-enriched SVF as a biologically refined cell therapy approach for OA, with potential disease modifying properties.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42435424/

Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_guinea_pig_husbandry_health_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).