Characterization of a 2016 Clinical Isolate of Zika Virus in Non-human Primates

Animal models are critical to understand disease and to develop countermeasures for the ongoing epidemics of Zika virus (ZIKV). Here we report a non-human primate model using a 2016 contemporary clinical isolate of ZIKV. Upon subcutaneous inoculation, rhesus macaques developed fever and viremia, with robust excretion of ZIKV RNA in urine, saliva, and lacrimal fluid. Necropsy of two infected animals revealed that systematic infections involving central nervous system and visceral organs were established at the acute phrase. ZIKV initially targeted the intestinal tracts, spleen, and parotid glands, and retained in spleen and lymph nodes till 10days post infection. ZIKV-specific immune responses were readily induced in all inoculated animals. The non-human primate model described here provides a valuable platform to study ZIKV pathogenesis and to evaluate vaccine and therapeutics. •Subcutaneous inoculation of ZIKV causes fever and viremia in NHPs•Robust viral RNA excretion was seen in urine, saliva, and lacrimal fluid.•The intestinal tracts, spleen, parotid glands, and lymph nodes us are potential target organs.•ZIKV infection induces robust humoral and cellular immune response. Zika virus (ZIKV) is spreading throughout the world whereas no vaccine or drug is currently available. To better understand the disease, we established the non-human primate model with a ZIKV strain isolated in 2016. We found that ZIKV infection in Rhesus monkeys resulted in fever, and viral RNA were present in various body fluids, including blood, urine, saliva, and lacrimal fluids. We identified the intestinal tracts, spleen, parotid glands, and lymph nodes as potential target organs of ZIKV by necropsy. The animal model not only helps understand the disease, but also provides a powerful tool for vaccine and antiviral tests.