Low dose inocula of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant initiate more robust infections in the upper respiratory tract of hamsters than earlier D614G variants
B. W.-Y. Mok, H. Liu, S.-Y. Lau, S. D. Deng, S. Liu, R. C.-Y. Tam, T. T.-L. Ng, J. S.-L. Leung, P. Wang, K. K.-W. To, J. F.-W. Chan, K.-H. Chan, K.-Y. Yuen, G. K.-H. Siu, H. Chen
This study shows that the B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant replicates and sheds more efficiently in hamsters' nasal cavities than earlier D614G variants with lower doses and shorter exposure.
bioRxiv · Apr 19, 2021 · PreprintMicrobiology