Evidence: Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) 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 Mesocricetus auratus. The cluster returns 12 representative studies with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each study is traceable by PMID.
Studies
- PMID 42071946 (2026, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Occurrence and Genetic Diversity of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> 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 42106845 (2026, Veterinary research) — Mechanistic role of lipid metabolism in foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) replication.. Abstract (opening): Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious animal disease caused by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), primarily affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as swine, cattle, and sheep. As a core metabolic pathway for maintaining cellular homeostasis, lipid metabolism is frequently hijacked by viruses via metabolic reprogramming mechanisms to support their infection cycle. Studies have demonstrated that positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses can reshape the host cell membrane system and modulate the lipid metabolic network, thereby constructing a favorable microenvironment for their invasion and replication. However, the molecular mechanisms by which FMDV-also a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus-promotes viral replication through the regulation of lipid metabolism remain incompletely elucidated. In this study, we found that inhibiting the key enzymes involved in the lipid metabolic pathway could significantly suppress FMDV proliferation. Exogenous supplementation of the downstream products catalyzed by these key enzymes notably restored FMDV replication, indicating that FMDV replication is dependent on lipids. Furthermore, we observed a significant upregulation in the protein expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) in host cells following FMDV infection. Inhibition of this enzyme led to a marked reduction in FMDV replication, suggesting that FMDV may enhance the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway to supply energy for its replication. In conclusion, this study comprehensively verified the critical role of lipid metabolism in FMDV replication through multidimensional assays involving the administration of inhibitors targeting key enzymes in the lipid metabolic pathway. These findings provide novel theoretical insights for the development of antiviral drugs and the prevention and control of FMD.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42106845/
- PMID 41751527 (2026, Genes) — <i>PRSSLY</i>-Based Molecular Sex Determination of Syrian Hamster (<i>Mesocricetus auratus</i>) Pups Using Placental Tissues.. Abstract (opening): Molecular sex determination in Syrian hamsters (<i>Mesocricetus auratus</i>) has been limited by the incomplete annotation of Y-linked loci in currently available genome assemblies. Here, we evaluate the Y-linked gene <i>PRSSLY,</i> which encodes a testis-specific serine protease-like protein, as a molecular marker for genetic sexing of Syrian hamster embryonic and placental tissues. Primers flanking a conserved <i>PRSSLY</i> coding region produced a male-specific amplicon showing 100% concordance with results from the established <i>KDM5C/KDM5D</i> PCR assay in E15.5 tail biopsies. SYBR Green-based qPCR enables the accurate detection of <i>PRSSLY</i>, characterized by a unique melt-curve profile, exclusively in male samples, allowing for efficient and sensitive mid-throughput analysis. Application of the PRSSLY assay to 417 placental samples from 39 dams demonstrated its suitability for large-scale sex genotyping, enabling sex assignment in the majority of samples despite the intrinsic complexity of placental tissue containing both maternal and embryonic genetic material. This assay provides a robust and reproducible approach for accurate sex genotyping in developmental and reproductive studies using Syrian hamsters.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41751527/
- PMID 42188870 (2026, Tropical medicine and infectious disease) — Tafenoquine: A Breakthrough Option for Babesiosis Treatment.. Abstract (opening): Babesiosis is a zoonosis caused by protozoan parasites of the genus <i>Babesia</i>. It has a worldwide distribution and affects many kinds of mammals, principally domestic animals and humans. Because there are no safe and effective vaccines available, the treatment and control for babesiosis continues to involve the use of chemotherapeutics. For years, only a few drugs have been used for clinical treatment, namely atovaquone plus azithromycin or clindamycin plus quinine for human, and imidocarb dipropionate and diminazene aceturate for domestic animals. Although screening and developing alternative drugs are continuously pursued, only a few drugs have been prospected to have clinical applications. Of these, tafenoquine has shown wide and potent antibabesial activity, offering a new option to control babesiosis. This article aims to present the current clinical therapeutic strategies for babesiosis and their limitations, as well as the prospect of tafenoquine as a promising drug to treat babesiosis.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42188870/
- PMID 42188772 (2026, Vaccines) — Intranasal Immunization with Live-Attenuated RSV-Vectored SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Elicits Antigen-Specific Systemic and Mucosal Immunity and Protects Against Viral Challenge and Natural Infection.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background/objectives</h4>The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and breakthrough infections underscores the need for next-generation vaccines capable of protecting from natural infection and/or preventing virus transmission. Intranasal vaccination offers a promising approach by eliciting local immune responses in the nasal mucosa, the primary site of infection and reservoir for transmissible virus. We evaluated two live-attenuated, respiratory syncytial virus-vectored vaccines in which the RSV F and G surface glycoproteins were replaced with a chimeric SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein from the ancestral USA/WA-1/2020 strain (MV-014-212) or the Delta variant (MV-014-212-delta).<h4>Methods</h4>K18-hACE2 mice and LVG Syrian hamsters were vaccinated with a single intranasal dose of MV-014-212 or MV-014-212-delta. Systemic and mucosal immunity were assessed following vaccination, and protection was evaluated following Delta SARS-CoV-2 challenge. In vaccinated hamsters, morbidity, viral shedding, and lung inflammation and injury were also assessed following natural exposure to infected cagemates.<h4>Results</h4>A single intranasal dose of either vaccine elicited systemic and mucosal immunity in K18-hACE2 mice, including serum neutralizing antibodies, Spike-specific memory B cells and plasmablasts, and Spike-specific CD8<sup>+</sup> lung-resident memory T cells. Although MV-014-212-delta vaccination provided the best protection against the Delta variant virus challenge, both vaccines decreased viral loads in nasal discharge, lung, and brain, and reduced weight loss and mortality. In naturally acquired infection studies, vaccinated hamsters exposed to infected cagemates exhibited minimal weight loss, limited viral replication within the nasal mucosa, and attenuated lung pathology.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Intranasal RSV-vectored vaccines can elicit broad protective respiratory immunity, suggesting that this platform could be leveraged for other respiratory pathogens.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42188772/
- PMID 41900484 (2026, Microorganisms) — Monosodium Glutamate Inhibits <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Targeting the Type III Secretion Systems and Modulating Host Immunity.. Abstract (opening): The opportunistic pathogen <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> poses a serious threat to immunocompromised patients. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used flavor enhancer, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its therapeutic potential and mechanism against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (<i>P. aeruginosa</i>) infection have remained unexplored. This study systematically elucidated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of MSG against <i>P. aeruginosa</i>-induced acute lung injury (ALI). In a murine pneumonia model, MSG administration effectively alleviated lung pathological damage, edema, and inflammatory responses. Mechanistically, MSG exerted protection through a multifaceted strategy, including direct suppression of bacterial virulence via binding to PopB of T3SS inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/MAPK-driven inflammatory cascade and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defense (SOD, CAT), and reshaping of pulmonary macrophages from the M1 to M2 phenotype. Notably, the anti-virulence effect of MSG, achieved by binding to PopB (K<sub>D</sub> = 3.52 × 10<sup>-6</sup> M), presented a distinct advantage over traditional antimicrobials by potentially mitigating resistance development. Collectively, these findings indicated that MSG can alleviate ALI caused by <i>P. aeruginosa</i> infection.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41900484/
- PMID 41514351 (2026, BMC veterinary research) — Analysis and identification of circRNA-regulated ceRNA networks associated with the virulence differences between PRV FA and FB strains.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>The virulence and replication of PRV are not only regulated by the virulence genes gE or gI, but also related to host circRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) fulfill a diverse array of biological functions. However, the functions of circRNAs in PRV infections by attenuated and virulent strains are not yet fully elucidated. In this study, the circRNA expression profiles of the PRV virulent strain FA and attenuated strain FB were established and analyzed by high-throughput sequencing technology. A ceRNA network was established utilizing differentially expressed circRNAs (DE circRNAs), and their biological functions of these circRNAs were subsequently predicted.<h4>Results</h4>We found that 4 DE circRNAs (animalcirc_014421, animalcirc_004115, animalcirc_010807, and animalcirc_000091) in infections with PRV virulent and attenuated strains mediated the interactions among circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs within the ceRNA network. The target genes of these DE circRNAs were associated with lysosome and apoptosis-related biological processes. Notably, target genes such as PiK3rl and Pou2f1 were enriched in the Herpes simplex virus 1 infection pathway. The findings indicate that these DE circRNAs could be crucial in the infection process of Herpesviruses.<h4>Conclusions</h4>circRNAs may contribute to the differences in virulence and replication between the PRV FA strain and attenuated FB strain through pathways such as apoptosis and lysosomal regulation. This research provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms by which host circRNAs modulate the phenotypic disparities between PRV virulent and attenuated strains.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41514351/
- PMID 41484114 (2026, NPJ vaccines) — Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 immune escape using antigenic cartography combined with experimental challenge studies.. Abstract (opening): The disease burden of COVID-19 significantly decreased with the implementation of vaccines. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants that escape vaccine induced immunity continue to emerge and may pose a risk to public health. While vaccine updates are available, it remains uncertain whether they are required for full protection. Here, we antigenically characterized SARS-CoV-2 variants JN.1, KP.2, KP.3.1.1, XEC and LP.8.1 by antigenic cartography and evaluated in vivo protection of JN.1 vaccination in hamsters. Antigenic cartography revealed that these variants are antigenically closely related. In vivo experiments showed that JN.1 vaccination blocked viral replication and inflammation in the lower respiratory tract of JN.1, KP.2 and KP.3.1.1 infected animals. However, despite close antigenic proximity, KP.3.1.1 infected JN.1 vaccinated animals showed evidence of viral replication in the upper respiratory tract, indicative for immune escape. These data demonstrate the strength of combining antigenic cartography with experimental challenge studies to study SARS-CoV-2 immune escape for vaccine updates.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41484114/
- PMID 42298609 (2026, Gut pathogens) — Entamoeba histolytica clones presenting transient virulent phenotypes: subsequent fate of forcibly induced virulent clones by hamster's liver abscess model.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>Amebiasis, which is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is prevalent worldwide. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic infection to life-threatening extraintestinal disease, and the clinical form can change within one infectious episode. It is also known that periodical animal passages are required for maintaining virulence of E. histolytica in vivo model, such as a hamster liver abscess or murine colitis model. However, it remains uncertain whether or for how long virulence induced by environmental stimuli persists during in vitro passage at the clonal level.<h4>Results</h4>We generated clones from a hamster liver-passaged E. histolytica strain and periodically checked their liver abscess-forming capability during subsequent in vitro passages. We obtained three clones (ALA-1, ALA-5, and ALA-6) that were highly virulent (abscess weight accounting for > 30% of total liver weight in a hamster model). Interestingly, all clones showed reduced virulence, which disappeared completely after 18 months of in vitro passage. Furthermore, the time to loss of virulence varied among the three clones (18, 12, and 6 months for ALA-1, ALA-5, and ALA-6, respectively). Whole-genome sequencing revealed a small number of single nucleotide polymorphisms at different stages in culture, none of which were shared among clones. Transcriptome analysis comparing gene expression between the highly virulent and avirulent states revealed several differentially expressed genes in each clone. However, there was minimal overlap in differentially expressed genes among the three clones, emphasizing the high complexity of virulence expression in E. histolytica.<h4>Conclusions</h4>E. histolytica can transiently adapt their phenotypes according to culture conditions at the clone level. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of this "protean" infectious disease.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42298609/
- PMID 42309257 (2026, Antiviral research) — BDAA, a yellow fever virus NS4B inhibitor, is effective during therapeutic treatment in a hamster model of yellow fever.. Abstract (opening): Yellow fever virus (YFV) is a reemerging mosquito-borne flavivirus endemic to South America and Africa. There are no antiviral drugs currently approved for treatment of yellow fever. BDAA, an orally available YFV NS4B inhibitor, has previously shown efficacy against YFV in cell culture and prophylactically in a hamster model of disease. Here, we demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of BDAA in a hamster model of disease when treatment began as late as 4 days post-infection (dpi). Twice-daily administration of 100 mg/kg BDAA, for a total dose of 200 mg/kg/d, was initiated 4 h pre-infection or 2, 3, or 4 dpi and continued for 7 days. BDAA treatment was effective therapeutically, with significantly improved survival when treatment began as late as 3 dpi and improved serum viremia and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations when treatment began as late as 4 dpi, with a >2 log reduction in serum viremia when treatment was initiated 4 dpi (P = 0.004). Additionally, weight loss and hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis were reduced in animals receiving BDAA beginning 4 h before or 2 days post-infection. The broad improvement of yellow fever disease parameters in the hamster model with therapeutic BDAA administration strongly supports the clinical potential of BDAA and its analogs as antiviral treatments for yellow fever.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42309257/
- PMID 41949803 (2026, Experimental & applied acarology) — Transstadial and transovarial perpetuations of Borrelia venezuelensis in Ornithodoros rudis, with demonstration of vector competence.. Abstract (opening): Ticks of the genus Ornithodoros are recognized vectors of relapsing fever group Borrelia, such as Borrelia venezuelensis, whose infection dynamics in its vector, Ornithodoros rudis, remains poorly understood in Brazil. This study aimed to investigate the transstadial perpetuation and transovarial transmission of B. venezuelensis in O. rudis and the vector competence of all parasitic stages of this tick species. Experimental colonies were maintained under controlled laboratory conditions, and ticks were fed on Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Infection in hamsters was monitored using dark field microscopy and real-time PCR. Borrelia venezuelensis was detected across multiple tick life stages, and its presence in larvae derived from infected females confirmed transovarial transmission. Vector competence for B. venezuelensis was demonstrated for larvae, nymphs and adults of O. rudis. Additionally, neurological symptoms and sudden death were observed in some hamsters, possibly associated with toxicosis due to heavy tick infestation. These findings provide the first experimental evidence of transstadial and transovarial maintenance of B. venezuelensis in O. rudis, reinforcing its role as a competent vector and contributing to a better understanding of the eco-epidemiology of relapsing fever in South America.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41949803/
- PMID 42236358 (2026, Trends in parasitology) — Babesia microti: Breaking the culture barrier.. Abstract (opening): Babesia microti poses a significant threat to human health, underscoring the need for an improved in vitro culture system to reduce reliance on animal models and support drug and vaccine screening. Key challenges include the tropism of preferential host red blood cells (RBCs), parasite metabolic needs, culture medium formulation, and optimization of the microaerophilic environment (oxygenation).
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42236358/
Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_hamster_husbandry_health_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).